56 die in #EndSARS protests – Amnesty Int’l

Amnesty International says at least 56 people have died across Nigeria since the EndSARS protest began, with about 38 killed on Tuesday alone.

In a statement on Wednesday, the rights group said the victims included protesters and thugs allegedly hired by the authorities to confront the protesters.

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In many cases, Amnesty said the security forces had used excessive force in an attempt to control or stop the protests.

It also said its investigation into the Tuesday killings in Lagos confirmed that the Nigerian army and police killed at least 12 peaceful protesters in Lekki and Alausa, Lagos.

The rights group, therefore, called for immediate investigation into the killings and perpetrators held accountable through fair trials.

It said evidence gathered from eyewitnesses, video footage and hospital reports confirm that between 6:45pm and 9:00pm on Tuesday 20 October, the Nigerian military opened fire on thousands of peaceful demonstrators in Lagos without warning.

“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,” the statement quoted Osai Ojigho, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, as saying.

Amnesty alleged that CCTV cameras at the Lekki toll gate were removed by government officials and the electricity was cut shortly before the shooting took place in a clear attempt to hide evidence.

“As in previous cases documented by Amnesty International, some of those killed and injured at both grounds were allegedly taken away by the military,” it said.