‘Soldiers shot Biafra protesters in the back,’ Amnesty International says

monjola sotubo

June 10, 2016 2:37 PM

Human Rights organization, Amnesty International (AI) has accused the Nigerian Army of killing unarmed Biafra supporters during a recent protest in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Ohaneze Ndigbo

Human Rights organization,

According to AI, some of the victims were shot in the back, a sign that they had been trying to escape when they were killed.

“Opening fire on peaceful IPOB supporters and bystanders who clearly posed no threat to anyone is an outrageous use of unnecessary and excessive force and resulted in multiple deaths and injuries,” the organization’s Country Director, MK Ibrahim said.

“In one incident one person was shot dead after the authorities burst in on them while they slept. These shootings, some of which may amount to extra judicial executions, must be urgently and independently investigated and anyone suspected of criminal responsibility must be brought to justice.

“Some of the dead and injured IPOB supporters seen were shot in the back, an indication that they were fleeing the scene when they were shot,” he added.

AI also said that about 17 persons were killed in the incident while 50 others were left injured.

monjola sotubo