Families of victims killed or injured during the #EndBadGovernance protests have called on the Nigerian government to take responsibility for their suffering and deliver justice for the reckless actions of law enforcement.
At a press conference on Monday organized by the Victims Support Initiative Nigeria (VSIN), bereaved families, activists, and rights groups gathered in Kano to voice their grievances. Many shared harrowing accounts of lives lost, demanding an independent investigation and compensation.
Yahya Ibrahim, a grieving father, recounted the tragic loss of his five-year-old son, who was killed by a stray bullet while playing in their compound. “My son was too young to even understand what a protest was, yet he became a victim of police negligence,” Ibrahim said, his voice cracking with emotion. “This was no accident but a failure of governance and accountability. We demand justice for all the innocent lives lost.”
A Call for Accountability
Fatima Yusuf, VSIN’s coordinator, emphasized the need for systemic change. She urged the government to establish a judicial panel to investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible face consequences.
“These families deserve answers, not silence,” Yusuf declared. “The lives lost during these protests reflect deep failures in our system, and justice must be served.”
The VSIN reported that over 50 families across Nigeria have suffered similar tragedies linked to the protests. Many of the deaths, they allege, were caused by excessive use of force by security operatives.
Amnesty International and Police Clash
The controversy surrounding police actions during the protests has drawn international attention. Amnesty International reported that at least 24 people were killed during the demonstrations, with some victims shot at close range in states such as Borno, Kano, and Kaduna.
“Security personnel fired live ammunition at peaceful protesters, leading to devastating loss of life,” Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director, Isa Sanusi, stated. “The death toll may be higher, as authorities are working to suppress evidence of their actions.”
The report also detailed that some victims were struck in vital areas such as the head and torso, while others suffered suffocation from excessive teargas use.
The Nigerian Police Force, however, has dismissed these allegations. In an unprecedented move, they demanded that Amnesty International retract its report and issue a public apology.
Human Rights Activists Speak Out
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticized the police for their response. He accused the authorities of double standards, noting that similar allegations by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had not been met with the same hostility.
“If the police are demanding that Amnesty retract their findings, why are they not asking the NHRC to do the same?” Sowore questioned. “This selective outrage only proves that the authorities are more concerned with their image than the lives of citizens.”
Families Fight for Closure
The families of victims say the lack of justice has compounded their grief. “The Inspector-General’s denial of this tragedy is a slap in the face,” Ibrahim said. “We need accountability, not excuses.”
Ibrahim vowed to continue seeking justice, saying, “We won’t stop fighting until those responsible face the consequences. Our pain cannot be ignored any longer.”
Many families have also called for financial compensation to cover burial costs, medical expenses, and other financial burdens caused by the tragic events.
Background: The #EndBadGovernance Protests
The #EndBadGovernance movement gained traction in mid-2024 as citizens across Nigeria protested against corruption, economic hardship, and human rights abuses. While initially peaceful, many demonstrations were met with force, leading to casualties and widespread criticism of the government’s handling of dissent.
