Amnesty International has condemned the killing of unarmed protesters by security agencies in Niger, Borno, and Kaduna states.
According to the human rights organization, Nigerian police and army personnel shot and killed 13 peaceful protesters on the first day of the nationwide ‘EndBadGovernanceinNigeria’ hunger protest on Thursday.
In a report released on Friday, Amnesty International revealed that Nigerian police killed six protesters in Suleja, Niger State, and three in Kaduna State, while the Nigerian Army shot dead four protesters in Maiduguri, Borno State.
“Amnesty International condemns the killing of peaceful protesters by security personnel across the country: Suleja, Niger State – 6 people killed; Maiduguri, Borno State – 4 people killed; and Kaduna, Kaduna State – 3 people killed,” the statement read.
The organization highlighted that security personnel deliberately used lethal tactics against protesters demonstrating against hunger and poverty. They called on the federal government to investigate the incidents and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
“The Nigerian authorities must investigate these incidents and ensure that security personnel suspected of responsibility for the deadly use of force are held to account through fair trial. Violent crackdowns on peaceful protesters are unjustified and unacceptable,” Amnesty International stated.
Amnesty International urged an end to the unlawful use of firearms by Nigerian security agencies in managing protests, emphasizing that such actions must be stopped to uphold the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly.
