Amnesty International demands release of 50 protesters arrested in Abuja on Day 3

The human rights group condemned the violent crackdown by Nigerian authorities, including the use of deadly force and teargas at Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The nationwide protest, initially set for Eagle Square, faced escalating tensions as police and DSS operatives turned hostile, arresting both protesters and journalists.

In a tweet on Friday, the group said, “The Nigerian authorities must immediately end the ongoing violent crackdown on peaceful protesters who convened at Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja.

“The over 50 peaceful protesters arbitrarily arrested across the FCT must be released immediately and unconditionally.

“Those suspected of responsibility must be held to account. People have the right to peacefully demand accountability through protests. This right must be respected.”

According to the group, the shocking and unconscionable use of deadly force on protesters against hunger in the FCT is unacceptable.

The nationwide protest was scheduled for August 1 – 10, 2024, and the organisers in Abuja had initially requested to gather at Eagle Square, but their access was denied by Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

A court subsequently directed them to hold the event at Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, where the first two days of the protest proceeded peacefully.

The situation escalated on the third day when the police used teargas on the protesters. Despite the police having dispersed protesters across the city on the first two days, there was no use of force at the designated venue.

However, the previously amicable officers turned hostile when protesters began to reconvene on Saturday.

According to reports, masked agents from the Department of State Services (DSS) arrived at the stadium in seven vehicles while police arrested those present. Other operatives fired tear gas canisters at protesters and journalists, who sought cover.

The security forces not only fired shots but also pursued and arrested their targets. Some journalists were released after identifying themselves, while the protesters were taken away.