Amnesty International Calls for Probe into South-East Killings

Amnesty International Nigeria called for urgent investigations into reported human rights violations and unlawful killings in the South-East during a town hall meeting in Umuahia, Abia State, on Thursday. The organization presented two reports: “A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in South-East Nigeria” and “Tiger Base of Atrocities: Human Rights Violations by Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Owerri.” Benedicta Ofili stated that at least 1,844 deaths were documented between 2021 and mid-2023 across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, amid violent conflicts involving non-state armed groups and heavy-handed security operations.

The reports also highlighted issues such as enforced disappearances and unlawful killings without independent investigations. Maurice Chukwu detailed abuses by the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, including arbitrary detention and torture.

Amnesty International called for accountability, fair trials for suspects, and reparations for victims' families.