ARMY/IPOB CLASHES: Amnesty Int’l concerned, launches investigations

Amnesty International on Friday responded to the reports of human rights abuses following the clash involving the Nigerian Army and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by Nnamdi Kanu in Abia State.

The international body said it was investigating the clash and that it was deeply concerned with the reports of cases of violence and illegal loss of lives as a result of the clashes. It cautioned the Nigerian Army on the use of force on armless civilians.

Amnesty International response on the development was contained in a statement its director in Nigeria, Osai Ojigho, made available to newsmen on Friday.

“We are deeply concerned by reports of violence and alleged loss of lives across Nigeria following clashes between the Nigerian military and supporters of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Umuahia, Abia State.

“We are calling on the authorities to ensure the security forces prioritize the protection of people and avoid excessive force. We are investigating all allegations of human rights violations and urge the authorities to investigate and quickly bring those suspected of unlawful killings and other serious violations to justice,” the statement partly read.

Amnesty International had in November 2016, published video details of an investigation discovering mass extrajudicial executions and other serious violations by the Nigerian security forces during peaceful demonstrations by pro-Biafra activists.

Read also: Crackdown may begin as Defence Hq classifies IPOB as terrorist group

The international organisation had in that video alleged that Nigerian Army massacred no less than “150 pro-Biafra unarmed agitators.

The recent reports of human rights abuses in Abia State followed Nigerian Army deployment of soldiers in the entire five states of the South East under Operation Python Dance. The army claimed the soldiers are there to clampdown on violent agitation, kidnapping and other criminal offences.

 

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