Amnesty International, on Wednesday, lamented that the Nigerian government is protecting officers who tortured and murdered #EndSars protesters a year ago.
Recall that some protesters were allegedly killed by security personnel at the Lekki tollgate on October 20th 2020.
In its report, Amnesty International claimed that no one has been brought to justice for the torture, violence, and killings of peaceful protesters, while reports of human rights violations by the police continue.
According to the organization, Nigerian army and police killed at least 12 people on 20 October 2020 at Lekki toll gate and Alausa in Lagos.
Amnesty International, after an investigation, was able to establish that pro-government supporters instigated violence at many of the demonstrations, providing cover for the police to use lethal force against peaceful protesters, while adding that detained protesters were tortured and refused or denied immediate access to lawyers.
“President Muhammadu Buhari must fulfill his promise of reforming the police to end the reign of impunity Nigerians have been protesting against for many years. Failure to bring to justice those suspected to be responsible for the torture and killings of #EndSARS protesters on 20 October 2020 is yet another indication that Nigerian authorities lack the political will to ensure accountability for these atrocities, and end police brutality,” said Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.
“Under the pretext of restoring order, horrific injuries were inflicted on hundreds of people and at least 56 people were killed, among them dozens of young people lost their lives as Nigerian security forces used unnecessary and excessive force to disperse peaceful protesters across the country. It is unacceptable that despite overwhelming evidence, the government continues to deny the use of live ammunition on protesters at Lekki toll gate exactly a year ago.” he added.
Amnesty International had also documented incidents at Lekki Toll Gate Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, showing the violent response of the Nigerian security forces to peaceful protests. The clear aim of the crackdown was to instill fear, discourage peaceful protests and punish those demanding an end to widespread human rights violations by the police.
