Protests & unrest Critical

Post-election riots kill more than 800 in northern Nigeria

Protests over Goodluck Jonathan's victory turned into riots and reprisal killings across twelve northern states, the deadliest election violence of the Fourth Republic.

Where: Twelve northern states, worst in southern Kaduna
When: 17 Apr 2011
Election: 2011 presidential election
Casualties: More than 800 killed in three days (HRW)

As results showed President Goodluck Jonathan defeating Muhammadu Buhari, protests began in several northern cities on 17 April 2011 and quickly turned violent. Human Rights Watch reported that more than 800 people were killed in three days, many in reprisal killings in southern Kaduna State, and that around 65,000 people were displaced.

The Sheikh Lemu panel set up by the federal government investigated the causes and recommended prosecutions, though few followed.

Sources

Nigeria: Post-Election Violence Killed 800 · Human Rights Watch, 16 May 2011 (hrw.org)

Full storyThe 2011 presidential election: a better-run vote, followed by deadly violence

This entry records what reliable media, observer groups and courts reported. It is not a finding of guilt against any person or party.