Αmnesty International, one of the leading human rights champion in the world, has called on the Nigerian government to commence an investigation into the killing of 60 pro-Biafra protesters in 2016.
Soldiers had opened fire on protesters killing 60 with over 100 persons injured during the celebration of the 2016 Biafra Day in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The killings happened in two days in different locations in the state.
Amnesty berated the Nigerian government for not investigating the killing of the people saying the victims and their families are still awaiting justice four years after the incident happened.
“Families and relatives of the victims of the 2016 massacre have been waiting and again ask the Nigerian government to ensure that those suspected of criminal responsibility of the killings are brought to trial, and that the victims and their families receive reparations, including adequate compensation.
“The tragedy of the Nkpor killing is compounded by the shocking fact that no one suspected to be responsible for the bloodshed has yet been held accountable. If the Nigerian government wants to demonstrate that it is committed to truth and human rights, it needs to ensure that the wheels of justice start turning far faster than they have done over the past four years.” said Osai Ojigho, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.
She added that despite overwhelming evidence that members of the Nigerian security forces fired live ammunition to disperse pro-Biafra gatherings, resulting in the death of at least 150 people, no person suspected of criminal responsibility has been brought to justice.
She noted that the real number is likely to be higher adding that a similar pattern of lack of accountability for gross violations by security forces has been documented in other parts of Nigeria including the north east in the context of operations against Boko Haram.
The Nigerian military promised to investigate the killings but is as yet to release a report of a commission of inquiry it set up in 2017
“Amnesty International has repeatedly called on the government of Nigeria to initiate independent investigations into allegations of crimes under international law.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has repeatedly promised that these would be investigated. However, no progress has been made,” Ojigho said.
