Amnesty International has charged Nigerian security forces with the killing of at least 21 protesters during a series of rallies amid economic difficulties, according to the national leader of the rights organization, who spoke to AFP on Wednesday.
Following the participation of thousands in demonstrations against governmental policies and the high cost of living last week, the police have taken strict measures against the protests, which have since significantly decreased in scale. AFP reporters have witnessed security forces firing rifles over crowds and using tear gas to disperse gatherings.
Security forces have refuted claims of their involvement in the deaths during the protests, and the police in Kano have not addressed AFP's inquiries for comment. Amnesty's Nigeria director, Isa Sanusi, has updated the earlier count of 13 to include seven additional verified killings in Kano and one in Azare, located in the northeastern Bauchi state.
In a conversation with AFP, Sanusi described this figure as 'conservative' and mentioned that Amnesty is examining further fatalities. He stated that all 21 individuals were protesters killed by security forces, strongly criticizing the use of live ammunition and urging investigations into the actions of the security forces.
'Their role is to maintain order and ensure the safety of protesters,' he emphasized. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is experiencing its most severe economic challenge in a generation, following the reforms implemented last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The protest movement, known as #EndbadGovernanceinNigeria, gained traction through an online campaign that demanded the government lower fuel prices and address the cost of living crisis, among other demands. Although the rallies have largely subsided across the country, hundreds of protesters marched in northern states earlier this week.
