Amnesty International has reported that 13 people were killed on the first day of the nationwide protests and has called for an investigation.

In a statement released on Friday, the organization detailed the locations of the fatalities: six in Suleja, Niger State, with numerous others injured; four in Maiduguri; and three in Kaduna.

Amnesty International emphasized that the Nigerian authorities must conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation into these deaths and hold accountable those security personnel suspected of using excessive force.

The organization criticized the violent response to peaceful protests, suggesting that the harsh measures and government rhetoric aimed to suppress the right to peaceful assembly. It also condemned the use of tear gas and other forceful tactics by the police, particularly in Abuja.

Amnesty International called for an end to the misuse of firearms by security forces and urged the Nigerian government to address the broader impacts on economic, social, and cultural rights, including access to health and education. They also stressed the need to uphold the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.