2024 Kurna Massacre: Amnesty International urges Gov Yusuf to probe bloodshed

Amnesty International has called on Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to establish an independent judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the fatal shooting of at least 10 protesters at Kurna and Kofar Nasarawa.

The incident took place amid the #EndBadGovernance protests, where demonstrators were calling for sweeping economic reforms and the reinstatement of fuel subsidies, which had been removed by the federal government.

In a statement released on Sunday, the organisation disclosed that the general conduct of security agencies, as well as the interruptions and destruction caused by alleged thugs, must be investigated.

Amnesty International Nigeria stated that the judicial commission should conduct its work publicly and be adequately resourced to carry out its functions effectively.

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The organization noted that failure to investigate the killings and destruction in Kano, from August 1 to date, by state and non-state actors will be a devastating setback for the rule of law.

Amnesty International added that it will perpetuate the culture of impunity which is already pervasive in Nigeria.

It said, “Amnesty International calls on the Governor of Kano state @Kyusufabba to immediately set up an independent judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the reckless killing of at least 10 hunger protesters at Kurna and Kofar Nasarawa in Kano.

“The general conduct of security agencies and the interruptions and destructions caused by alleged hired thugs must also be investigated. The commission must conduct its work publicly and must also be resourceful enough to carry out its functions.

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“Failure to investigate the killings and destruction in Kano, from 1 August to date, by state and non-state actors will be a devastating setback for the rule of law. It will also only perpetuate the culture of impunity which is already so pervasive in Nigeria.

“For an effective investigation that can lead to justice, victims, their families and potential witnesses must be protected from being influenced, harassment, threats, ill-treatment or reprisals to ensure they can make submissions to the panel without fear.”