Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has stated that Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun should be held responsible for the violence during the #EndBadGovernance protest.
According to Adeyanju, the government attempted to sponsor fake news attributing the violence to the protest organizers. He asserted, “What we saw were attacks by the police against unarmed protesters across Nigeria. The police opened fire on unarmed protesters without provocation, killing people in Borno and Kano, and injuring many others. This should not go unpunished.” He emphasized, “The IGP should be held responsible because he gave the order for these crimes committed against the Nigerian people.”
Amnesty International Nigeria has reported that 13 people have died due to police brutality during the #EndBadGovernance protest. Various groups have condemned the actions of the police and called for restraint. Amnesty International Nigeria Director, Isa Sanusi, specifically told SaharaReporters that there should be an investigation into this development and those found culpable should be brought to justice.
The protest against bad governance and the increasing cost of living began on August 1 and is scheduled to end on August 10. Despite assurances of maximum security for protesters, the police have failed to uphold this, instead firing teargas and live bullets.