Reps to investigate extra judicial killings in the South East

The House of Representatives on Thursday, June 2, 2016 mandated its committees on Human Rights, National Security and Intelligence to investigate the reported killings of unarmed civilians in South-eastern part of Nigeria.

The House also urged the federal government to review and formulate a more efficient mechanism for the engagement with aggrieved individuals who threaten the nation's security and territorial integrity.

These resolutions by the House was followed by a motion on urgent matter of public importance entitled "call for investigation into the killing of unarmed civilians in south East of Nigeria" sponsored by Chukwuma Onyema.

While noting the increase in extra judicial killings by security agencies in the country, Onyema said the rule of law and respect for rights of citizens are cardinal ingredients for the survival of the country's democracy.

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"Nigeria's dismal human rights records are largely predicated on unprovoked widespread and forceful engagements of our security agencies and unarmed civilians.

"Historically the consequences of this high handed engagement and extra judicial killings leaves behind a feeling of alienation, marginalisation and subsequent escalation of confrontational tendencies and resistance to state," he told the House.

The House adopted the motion after it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara.