Nigeria: Election Violence Must Be Investigated

Amnesty International urges Nigerian authorities to investigate widespread violence unleashed on voters in parts of Lagos, Rivers, Kano, Edo and Delta states. Those behind attacks on voters, journalists and electoral officials must be brought to justice through fair trials. 

We are deeply concerned by loss of lives in Tudun Wada/Doguwa in Kano state, due to arson and other violence during the general elections on Saturday 25 February. The authorities must investigate and ensure that the perpetrators behind these ruthless attacks are prosecuted.  

Security agencies must live up to their responsibilities to secure life and properties by ensuring that perpetrators of these violent acts and other violations are promptly brought to justice. Failure to act now can embolden impunity and undermine human rights across the country. 

Every person in Nigeria must be protected from further violence, threats of violence and intimidation. There must be responsive and effective measures in place to protect all participants in the electoral process and prevent human rights violations. The time to tame the rising impunity is now.