One year after tragic protests rocked Nigeria, an independent assessment by Amnesty International reveals a stark reality: accountability for the deadly force used by security forces remains tragically elusive. This grim anniversary underscores persistent calls for justice for those who lost their lives amidst demonstrations against escalating living costs and economic hardship.
The human rights watchdog’s investigation meticulously documented that at least 24 individuals were killed when police indiscriminately opened fire on the peaceful gatherings, which erupted last August under the rallying cry #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria. These findings highlight a deeply concerning pattern of excessive force against citizens exercising their fundamental right to protest.
Disturbingly, Amnesty International’s report detailed instances where protesters were shot by police using live ammunition at close range, often targeting vital areas such as the head or torso. Such actions strongly suggest that officers were employing lethal intent, directly contributing to the tragic loss of life during the Nigeria protests.
Despite the profound gravity of these documented human rights violations, a full year has passed without a single member of the security forces being prosecuted for their roles in the deaths. Isa Sanusi, director of Amnesty International Nigeria, emphasized that accountability for the 24 peaceful protesters killed across multiple states—Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Borno, Niger, and Kaduna—remains frustratingly out of reach.
Compounding the lack of prosecution, Nigerian police forces continue to issue denials regarding pervasive and compelling allegations of extrajudicial execution, torture, and unlawful arrests of human rights advocates and protesters. This persistent refusal to acknowledge credible claims further entrenches the culture of impunity.
Beyond the direct killings, Amnesty International also condemned what it characterized as “sham trials” for hundreds of protesters who were apprehended on various alleged offenses following the demonstrations. These judicial processes often lacked due process, further infringing upon the rights of those seeking to express their grievances.
The original demonstrations were ignited by widespread discontent over severe economic hardship in the country, exacerbated by government reforms such as the floating of the naira currency and the discontinuation of a costly fuel subsidy. While economists endorsed these measures as long overdue, they directly contributed to a significant increase in the cost of living, pushing many citizens into deeper poverty.
The findings by Amnesty International serve as a critical reminder that true stability cannot be achieved without upholding fundamental human rights and ensuring that state actors are held to account for their actions. The call for justice for the victims of police brutality continues to resonate across Nigeria and the international community.
As the one-year mark passes, the lack of progress in prosecuting those responsible for the killings sends a chilling message about the state of justice in Nigeria. The international community and civil society groups continue to advocate fiercely for transparency and the urgent need to end police brutality and secure genuine accountability for all victims.
