- Amnesty International reports police used hand grenades, killing three at a fuel station.
- Police vehemently deny grenade use, citing IEDs as the cause.
- Police accuse Amnesty of false claims, saying victims were not protesters.
- An independent investigation was conducted, with the findings backing the police version.
- Violent protests caused looting and destruction across the region.
Amnesty’s Accusation: Police Grenades Kill Fuel Attendants
Amnesty International’s report alleges that on August 1, 2024, police threw hand grenades into the A.A. Kime Filling Station in Borno, killing Nasiru Mustapha, Amodu Garba Maina, and Momodi Hassan. The report details how police vehicles allegedly drove by and hurled grenades and teargas into the station during the #EndBadGovernance protests. According to Amnesty, the attendants weren’t even participating in the protest. They were simply working at the station when they were allegedly attacked.
Police Retort: IEDs and False Claims
The Nigerian Police Force, however, is fiercely disputing Amnesty’s account. Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, released a statement asserting that police do not use hand grenades. Instead, he claims that the three victims were killed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted at the station by unknown individuals. The police also stated that these men were targeted for not participating in the protests. Adejobi added that Amnesty’s claims are not consistent with the police records and are an attempt to tarnish their reputation internationally.
Independent Investigation and Findings
In response to the serious allegations, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) ordered a comprehensive independent investigation. The investigation panel visited affected areas, gathered evidence, and ultimately concluded that the deaths were indeed caused by IEDs, corroborating the Police’s position. The police maintain that no hand grenades were involved and that Amnesty’s report is “false and misleading.”
The Bigger Picture: Violent Protests and Looting
The police report highlights the broader context of violent protests in Borno. It was revealed that protesters engaged in widespread looting and destruction, including the looting and vandalizing of the Skill Acquisition Centre of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the warehouse of the World Food Programme. This context adds another layer to the already tense situation, suggesting that the area was rife with unrest and violence. However, the police state that the victims were not involved in any of the unrest.
Where Did Amnesty Go Wrong?
The police are baffled as to how Amnesty International came to their conclusions. The police force states that they do not own or use explosive hand grenades. The discrepancy between the reports from Amnesty and the police is quite substantial and poses serious questions as to the credibility of either side. The fact remains that three men lost their lives during a period of intense conflict and the exact nature of what happened is still up for debate.
The Aftermath
The situation has created a massive division between the Nigerian Police Force and Amnesty International. The allegations have caused mistrust of the police in the eyes of the public, but Amnesty’s report has come under fire as a result of the investigation. Further investigation may shed more light on the events that took place at the A.A. Kime Filling Station in Borno.
