Alleged Bloody August: Police reveal results of investigation into Amnesty International’s report

The Nigeria Police Force, NPF says the investigation into the alleged killing of unsuspecting Nigerians during the August hunger protests has been concluded

DAILY POST recalls that Amnesty International had on November 28, released a report titled; “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests”, alleging that officers of the NPF killed about 24 persons in some northern states during the protest.

Although the police immediately countered the report, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun on December 3 ordered Commissioners of Police in the affected northern states to investigate the matter.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday on the outcome of the investigation, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi denied Amnesty International’s report, stating that the claims were at variance with the records available to the Nigeria Police.

He said the deaths of Nasiru Mustapha, Amodu Garba Maina, and Momodu Hassan, who died during the protest in Borno State were caused by an Improvised Explosive Device, IED.

Adejobi said, ”Contrary to Amnesty International allegations that three persons, Yahaya Isa, Mohammed Bukau and Musa Muhammadu were shot and killed in Suleja, Niger State by police operatives, the claim has been found to be false. Reputable sources in Suleja and Tafa areas confirmed that nobody was killed by the police in Niger State on 1st August 2024″.

He said there was no killing in Katsina as stated in the report.

The Police, however, admitted the killing of one Ismail Mohammed in Kaduna State but said the deceased was accidentally shot by the military.

The Force PRO concluded by saying that the NPF “will in due time be writing the Amnesty International to demand a retraction of its report from the public space and with a public apology.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in protecting the rights of all citizens while ensuring the security and stability of the nation.

“We therefore urge the public to be wary of sensational reports designed to incite mistrust and weaken confidence in law enforcement institutions”.

Alleged Bloody August: Police reveal results of investigation into Amnesty International’s report