Amnesty International: 21 Killed In Hunger Protests Across Nigeria

Amnesty International has reported that Nigerian security forces have killed at least 21 protesters during nationwide demonstrations against economic hardship. The organization’s Nigeria director, Isa Sanusi, revealed this alarming figure in an interview with AFP on Wednesday.

The protests, sparked by government policies and the escalating cost of living, saw thousands of Nigerians taking to the streets last week. Security forces responded with force, using live ammunition and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Despite the denials from security forces regarding responsibility for the deaths, Amnesty International has verified the fatalities, raising the toll from 13 to 21.

Among the dead, seven were killed in the northern city of Kano, and one in Azare, Bauchi state. Sanusi described the figures as “conservative” and stated that Amnesty International is investigating additional deaths.

Sanusi condemned the use of live ammunition against protesters and called for an urgent investigation into the conduct of the security forces. “Their duty is to restore order and ensure that protesters are protected,” he emphasized.

In response to the situation, police in Kano have stated that they are investigating the accusations against their officers, though they have not responded to AFP’s requests for further comment.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is currently experiencing its worst economic crisis in decades. The crisis has been exacerbated by reforms implemented last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the removal of a fuel subsidy. Despite the growing discontent, Tinubu addressed the nation on Wednesday, urging patience with the reforms. He assured the public, saying, “Please have faith in our ability to deliver and in our concern for your wellbeing. We will get out of this turbulence.”

The protest movement, dubbed #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, gained momentum through an online campaign calling for government action on reducing fuel prices and addressing the cost of living crisis. While the protests have subsided in many parts of the country, they continue in some northern states, where hundreds of demonstrators have recently taken to the streets.

AFP.