Amnesty International confirms Nigerian Army killed #EndSARS protesters, petitions for investigation

Amnesty International in an on-the-ground investigation confirmed that the Nigerian army and police killed at least 12 peaceful protesters Tuesday at two locations in Lagos. The killings, according to Amnesty International, took place in Lekki and Alausa, where thousands were protesting police brutality as part of the #EndSars movement.

Amnesty International stated that evidence gathered from eyewitnesses, video footage and hospital reports confirmed that between 6:45pm and 9:00pm on Tuesday 20 October, the Nigerian military opened fire on thousands of people who were peacefully calling for good governance and an end to police brutality.

It was indicted that witnesses at the Lekki protest grounds told Amnesty International that solders arrived at about 6:45pm local time on Tuesday evening, and opened fire on #EndSars protesters without warning.

Amnesty International added that eyewitnesses at Alausa protest ground said they were attacked by a team of soldiers and policemen from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Unit at about 8:00 pm, leaving at least two people dead and one critically injured.

Osai Ojigho, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria remarked: “Opening fire on peaceful protesters is a blatant violation of people’s rights to life, dignity, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.  Soldiers clearly had one intention – to kill without consequences.”

Amnesty International disclosed it received reports that shortly before the shootings, CCTV cameras at the Lekki toll gate, where #EndSARS protesters had been camped for two weeks, were removed by government officials and the electricity was cut – a clear attempt to hide evidence. It noted that as in previous cases documented by Amnesty International, some of those killed and injured at both grounds were allegedly taken away by the military.

Osai Ojigho argued: “These shootings clearly amount to extrajudicial executions. There must be an immediate investigation and suspected perpetrators must be held accountable through fair trials. Authorities must ensure access to justice and effective remedies for the victims and their families.”