Echoes from the #Endbadgovernance protests reverberated on Thursday when Amnesty International accused the Nigerian police Force of using excessive force to suppress the demonstrations killing 24 people in six States.

Amnesty, in a report titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #Endbadgovernance Protests,” said that the Police killed at least 24 people between August 1 and 10 in six states of Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa and Niger.

At least 10 alleged protesters are facing treason charges in court. In November, President Bola Tinubu ordered the release of 29 children facing the death penalty for suspected participation in the protests. The children, detained since August, were part of over 70 people charged with treason, property destruction, and mutiny.

The report gives the details of the deaths of 20 young people, two children, and an older person. All victims were shot, many at close range in the head or torso, suggesting an intent to kill. Survivors suffered gunshot injuries or were harmed by tear gas.

“Security forces used live ammunition on peaceful protesters, showing a shocking disregard for human life,” said Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director. “The true death toll may be higher due to government efforts to cover up the violence.”

Amnesty’s field research in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa gathered videos, photographs, and witness testimonies. Witnesses said protests began peacefully on August 1 but turned violent after police fired live bullets and tear gas at demonstrators.

The group says this level of force violates international standards, including the UN guidelines for law enforcement.

They are expected to be freed under a court order by Tuesday, though activists continue to demand accountability for the crackdown.