Amnesty International has raised a serious concern about the deteriorating health of Muhammed M. Liman, a protester severely injured during the violent suppression of the #EndBadGovernance protests in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Liman, who works at the A.A. Kime filling station in Maiduguri, sustained life-threatening injuries on August 1, 2024, when security forces attacked a peaceful protest with brutal force.
According to Amnesty International, Liman was simply going about his work at the filling station when a convoy of security personnel threw hand grenades at the protesters to disperse them.
The violent attack resulted in the deaths of three of Liman’s colleagues, while Liman himself was left severely wounded with a spinal injury.
Since that tragic day, Liman has been hospitalized in critical condition, with his health worsening. Amnesty International has expressed alarm over the lack of medical attention and the continued deterioration of his condition.
“The Nigerian authorities have failed to investigate the deaths of the three victims,” the organization said in a statement. “Instead, they have spread false narratives to cover up what happened.”
Amnesty has condemned the Nigerian government for not taking responsibility for the violent incident. The rights group emphasized that the actions of the security forces were unlawful and a gross violation of human rights.
“The attack was unjustifiable,” said Amnesty in a statement. “It is unacceptable that people peacefully demanding good governance and accountability were met with violence.”
Liman’s spinal injury, which resulted from the grenade attack, has left him in a dire state, with no significant progress in his recovery. The lack of adequate medical treatment and attention has caused his condition to worsen.
Human rights organizations have criticized the government for its failure to provide justice for the victims, including the families of the three deceased protesters. Amnesty International has repeatedly called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the events that transpired between August 1 and August 10, 2024.
“The government must ensure that the perpetrators of this attack are held accountable,” said Amnesty. “Impunity cannot be allowed to reign when security forces violate the rights of citizens.”
Liman’s case has drawn international attention as human rights groups continue to demand justice for the victims of the crackdown. His story highlights the broader issue of state violence against peaceful protesters calling for better governance and accountability in Nigeria.
Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to investigate all instances of violence during the #EndBadGovernance protests, particularly those that took place from August 1 to August 10, 2024.
“Peaceful protests should never be met with force,” Amnesty emphasized. “The right to free expression and peaceful assembly is protected under international human rights law.”
Liman’s colleagues at A.A. Kime filling station, as well as many others in Maiduguri and across Nigeria, have expressed outrage over the government’s actions. Several individuals who witnessed the attack have described the scene as chaotic, with people fleeing for their lives as grenades exploded around them.
One witness, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “We didn’t know what was happening. All we heard was a loud explosion, and people started running. It was terrifying.”
Since the attack, the Nigerian government has faced growing criticism from human rights groups, political analysts, and the general public for its heavy-handed approach to handling protests.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which erupted across Nigeria earlier this year, were sparked by widespread anger over corruption, poor governance, and human rights abuses. Protesters have called for greater accountability and transparency from the government.
However, the Nigerian authorities responded with violence, using tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse crowds. Amnesty International has documented numerous incidents of excessive force and unlawful killings during the protests.
The case of Muhammed Liman has become one of the most prominent examples of the government’s violent crackdown. His worsening condition has added urgency to calls for justice and accountability.
Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian government to take immediate action to investigate the incident and hold those responsible for the deaths and injuries accountable. The organization has also called for adequate medical treatment to be provided to Liman and others who were harmed during the protests.
“The government must not ignore its responsibility to protect its citizens,” Amnesty said. “It must act to prevent further violations of human rights and ensure that justice is served for all victims of this violence.”
As Muhammed Liman’s health continues to deteriorate, the pressure on the Nigerian government to provide justice and accountability is mounting. Activists, local residents, and human rights organizations are demanding that those responsible for the brutal suppression of peaceful protests be held accountable.