Amnesty International has reported that at least 24 protesters were killed and 1,200 others arrested during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria. The nationwide demonstrations, which lasted from August 1 to August 10, were driven by widespread frustration over the country’s economic hardship and governance issues.

The protests, initially peaceful, turned violent in several regions, with security forces reportedly using teargas and live ammunition against demonstrators and journalists. Cases of looting and vandalism of both public and private property were also reported, particularly in some northern states.

In a report titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests,” released on Thursday, Amnesty International accused Nigerian authorities of engaging in acts of torture and other forms of ill-treatment against protesters. The organization criticized the government for failing to uphold the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

“The Nigerian authorities killed at least 24 protesters and arrested over 1,200 during the nationwide protests,” the report stated. “Many of those arrested have been subjected to unjust trials based on fabricated charges, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to criminalize dissent and suppress protests.”

Speaking at the report’s presentation in Kano, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s Country Director, revealed that among the victims were two children and 20 young adults. He described the protests as a period of severe lawlessness, with security forces allegedly firing live rounds at close range.

Sanusi also highlighted the physical and emotional toll on survivors. “Two protesters sustained gunshot injuries to their arms and legs, while others were suffocated by the indiscriminate use of teargas,” he said, adding that the actual death toll might be higher due to alleged efforts by authorities to conceal the extent of the violence.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to launch a thorough and transparent investigation into the human rights violations committed during the protests.

“Peaceful protest over government policies has become a matter of life and death in Nigeria,” Sanusi said. “The government must ensure that those responsible for these violations are identified and held accountable through fair and impartial trials. Victims and their families deserve justice and effective remedies.”