Amnesty International has strongly criticized the Nigerian military’s actions during a recent incident in Abuja, where they opened fire on peaceful protesters belonging to the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN). The International Human Rights Watch has also condemned the violent crackdown, stating that it is unwarranted and unacceptable.
Amnesty International emphasized that the IMN protesters had every right to engage in a religious procession and peaceful protest, and there was no evidence to suggest that they posed any threat to life or public safety. Despite this, the Nigerian authorities responded with excessive force, leading to a tragic loss of life.
The human rights organization is calling on the Nigerian authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the incident and hold those responsible for the violence accountable. This call for justice comes in the wake of previous instances where the Nigerian military and police have been implicated in using deadly force against IMN supporters during protests and religious gatherings.
In a haunting reference, Amnesty International reminded that back in October 2018, their investigation revealed the horrifying use of excessive force by soldiers and police, resulting in the deaths of at least 45 IMN supporters over a two-day period during a peaceful religious procession in Abuja. Additionally, they highlighted a previous massacre in Zaria in December 2015, where over 350 IMN supporters were killed, and ever since then, the authorities have consistently responded to IMN protests with lethal force.
The organization’s statements reflect deep concern over the recurring and disproportionate use of violence against peaceful demonstrators, and they continue to advocate for accountability, respect for human rights, and the right to peaceful assembly in Nigeria.
