By Ammar M. Rajab One year after the deadly #EndBadGovernance protests in Kano, the families of at least 12 victims allegedly k...
By Ammar M. Rajab
One year after the deadly #EndBadGovernance protests in Kano, the families of at least 12 victims allegedly killed by police are still waiting for justice, according to a report released by Amnesty International Nigeria.
The victims, including a five-year-old child and a 63-year-old man, were killed between 1st and 10th August 2024 in various parts of Kano during mass protests against perceived political misrule and police brutality.
According to Amnesty’s documentation, the killings occurred during violent crackdowns by security forces on largely unarmed demonstrators. Most of the victims were reportedly shot at close range.
“The Nigerian authorities have yet to initiate transparent investigations or prosecute the officers responsible for these extrajudicial killings,” the organisation stated. “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Among the victims was Muhammad Sani, just 5 years old, who was fatally shot in the lap on 3 August 2024 on Kotu Street, Rijiyar Lemo. The youngest among the fatalities, his killing has drawn widespread outrage.
Another was Nanah-Firdausi Haruna, a 35-year-old woman, killed by police gunfire at Yamman Gabas, Rijiyar Lemo, the same day.
The list includes:
Salahuddeen Umar (20) – shot in the leg on Darerawa Street, Rijiyar Lemo.
Usman Hassan (22) – shot in the stomach on Jajira Street, Rijiyar Lemo.
Fa’izu Abdullahi (20) – killed on Kurna Falwaya Street on 1 August.
Abdulmalik Auwalu Abdulsalam (21) – shot on 9 August at Kofar Nasarawa.
Bashir Lawan (22) – shot in the leg and stomach at Kotu Street.
Habibu Falalu (16) – killed on Daiba Street, Rijiyar Lemo.
Abduljalal Yusuf – killed on Ajira Street, Rijiyar Lemo.
Aliyu Abdullahi (19) – killed at Kofar Nasarawa.
Bashir Abdullahi Salihu (18) – shot in the stomach at Bachirawa Dar Erawa-Kofar Nasarawa.
Mustapha (Danjummai) (63) – shot in the stomach in Yakasai.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, no police officer has been arrested or held accountable.
Civil society groups and victims' families have continued to demand justice, urging the National Human Rights Commission, the Police Service Commission, and the Federal Ministry of Justice to open independent inquiries and compensate the families of the deceased.
Amnesty International reiterated its call for an impartial investigation, accountability for human rights violations, and reparations for victims' families.
“When peaceful protest is met with deadly force, it signals a failure of democracy and the rule of law,” Amnesty added.
The killings have revived painful memories of the #EndSARS protests of 2020, where security forces were also accused of using lethal force against demonstrators.
As the country approaches another anniversary of the protests, questions remain about Nigeria’s commitment to reforming its security institutions and protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
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