Amnesty International reports that at least 13 protesters have been killed during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria.
In a post on its X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the killing of peaceful protesters by security forces, noting the deaths over the first 10 days of the protests, which began on Thursday. The organization reported six fatalities in Suleja, Niger State; four in Maiduguri, Borno State; and three in Kaduna State.
On the first day of the protests, at least 12 journalists and media professionals were victims of police brutality or attacks by hoodlums allegedly backed by the government.
Amnesty International called for an investigation into these incidents and for security personnel responsible for the use of deadly force to be held accountable through fair trials. They condemned the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters as unjustified and unacceptable.
The organization criticized the use of lethal tactics by security personnel and called for an end to the unlawful practice of using firearms in managing protests.
The nationwide demonstrations began in major cities across Nigeria, marking the start of a 10-day protest period in August. The protests are aimed at condemning the difficulties exacerbated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with worsening economic conditions, high inflation, poor governance, and escalating insecurity. Thousands of Nigerians took to the streets on Thursday, carrying placards and banners to protest these issues.