The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has denied allegations by Amnesty International that security operatives were responsible for the killing of protesters during the ongoing demonstrations against hunger and corruption.
In a statement, NPF claimed that terrorists and vigilantes were responsible for the murder of protesters across several locations in the country.
Amnesty International had reported that 13 people were killed on the first day of the #EndBadGovernance protest, which started on Thursday.
The organization alleged that Nigerian security operatives deployed to quell the demonstrations were responsible for the deaths.
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However, the police force denied the accusations, stating that terrorists and vigilantes had infiltrated the protests and were responsible for the violence.
In a statement published on social media, the police force provided an account of incidents from the first two days of the nationwide protests.
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According to the statement, four individuals lost their lives and 34 were severely injured in a terrorist attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP elements in Borno State.
The police also accused an unnamed driver, who is currently at large, of being responsible for the death of two protesters in a separate incident.
On the third day of the protest on Saturday, the combined team of police force and State Security Service (SSS) operatives fired teargas and live rounds at protesters and journalists covering the demonstration in Abuja.
NPF has maintained that it is committed to protecting the rights of citizens to peaceful protest, but will not hesitate to take action against those who engage in violent or criminal behavior.
The ongoing protests against hunger and corruption have led to tensions between security operatives and protesters, with reports of violence and human rights abuses.
Also, the NPF has faced criticism for its handling of the protests, with many accusing the Force of using excessive force against peaceful protesters.
