Police Refute Amnesty Report, Say Only 7 Deaths Recorded During #EndBadGovernance Protest

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has contested Amnesty International’s report on the fatalities during the #EndBadGovernance protests, asserting that only seven deaths occurred.

On Friday, Amnesty International claimed that 13 protesters were killed by security forces as of Thursday night, with casualties reported in Suleja (Niger), Maiduguri (Borno), and Kaduna. The organization alleged that security personnel used lethal force against people protesting hunger and poverty.

However, in a statement on Saturday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police public relations officer (PPRO), disputed these claims. Adejobi clarified that four deaths were recorded in Borno due to a terrorist attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP elements who infiltrated the protest and detonated an improvised explosive device (IED), injuring 34 others.

Additionally, Adejobi reported that an unregistered Honda Prelude car ran into the protesters, killing two civilians. The driver abandoned the vehicle, which has since been recovered by the police, who are now working to apprehend the driver.

Another incident occurred in Yauri, Kebbi State, where a local vigilante shot and killed a looter attempting to rob a shop. This brings the total number of deaths to seven.

“There were no other fatalities recorded during the protests apart from those mentioned,” Adejobi stated. He acknowledged incidents of armed robbery, arson, and looting of public and private properties during the protests.

Adejobi emphasized that the police managed the protests professionally, using teargas instead of lethal weapons, even when officers were attacked. A total of 681 individuals have been arrested for various crimes, including armed robbery and arson, with dangerous weapons, including two AK-47 rifles, recovered from the so-called protesters.

He also clarified that organizers and protesters were not arrested, only those linked to criminal activities.