During the #EndBadGovernance protests in Kano, a policeman deployed to control the unrest openly threatened to kill protesters.
The protests, which turned violent as hoodlums looted government agencies and private establishments, have led to significant clashes in the city.
A mob attempting to attack Government House, Kano, was forcibly dispersed. In response to the escalating violence, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf declared a curfew to curb the disorder. Despite the curfew, some protesters defied the order and returned to the streets, challenging security forces.
In a trending video capturing the breakdown of law and order, a policeman, speaking in Hausa, was heard making death threats to protesters. “Keep looting. Is it because I did not do what I had done to them? Those throwing stones should not stop. I swear to God, if police officers bleed, I will kill. I swear to God I will kill,” the officer declared.
On Saturday, the leadership of the organized labor movement urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to cease what it described as the “massacre” of protesters demonstrating against hunger. Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), criticized the police’s handling of the situation under Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun.
“With unconfirmed reports indicating over 40 casualties in two days of managing the EndHunger protest nationwide, we have ample evidence (supported by reports and video clips) to question the professionalism of our security personnel. This represents nothing short of a MASSACRE of citizens,” Ajaero stated. He lamented the “wanton taking of life by trigger-happy police personnel” and questioned the training and values of the police.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the shooting of protesters, calling it a reminder of the dark days of military rule. Amnesty International reported that at least 13 people have been killed during the protests, mostly by police and other security agencies. However, police reports claim seven people were killed, none by security operatives.
