Amnesty International has leveled serious accusations against Nigerian security forces, claiming they killed at least 21 protesters during a week of demonstrations against the country’s worsening economic conditions.
The human rights group’s Nigeria director, Isa Sanusi, revealed the grim toll on Wednesday, escalating a previous estimate of 13 fatalities.
Sanusi emphasized that the confirmed death count is likely a conservative figure, with Amnesty continuing to investigate additional reports.
The victims, according to the organization, were all protesters killed by security forces during the demonstrations.
Amnesty strongly condemned the use of live ammunition and called for thorough investigations into the conduct of security personnel.
The protests erupted last week as thousands took to the streets to voice their anger over government policies and the soaring cost of living.
Security forces responded with force, deploying tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds.
While authorities have denied responsibility for the deaths, AFP journalists witnessed security forces firing rifles above protesters and using tear gas to quell the unrest.
The demonstrations have since dwindled, but the heavy-handed crackdown has ignited widespread condemnation. Police in Kano, where several protesters were killed, have acknowledged the allegations and promised to investigate.
Nigeria is currently grappling with its most severe economic crisis in decades, exacerbated by fuel subsidy removal and other reforms implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a televised address on Wednesday, Tinubu urged citizens to remain patient, assuring them that the government’s policies will ultimately yield positive results.
The protest movement, known as #EndbadGovernanceinNigeria, gained momentum through online activism, with demonstrators demanding reductions in fuel prices and measures to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis.