President says he'll take action on Amnesty International report on torture

dimeji akinloye

June 4, 2015 4:44 AM

Buhari assures that his administration will study the Amnesty International report and act appropriately.

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has acknowledged receipt of the Amnesty International report on Nigeria titled "Nigeria: Stories of horror in their own words."

The Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, to the President, Garba Shehu, said in a news release in Niamey, Niger Republic on Wednesday, June 3, that the President has received the report which he observes contained many disturbing allegations.

According to Shehu, Buhari assures that his administration will study the document and act appropriately.

"I assure you that your report will be looked into," Buhari said.

He said without meaning to prejudice the outcome of any investigation, Nigerians need to be reassured that "this administration will leave no stone unturned to promote the rule of law, and deal with all cases of human rights abuses.

"Respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law are the life and soul of the democratic system.

"We will not tolerate or condone impunity and reckless disregard for human rights," the President was quoted as saying.

The report allege widespread torture and extrajudicial killings by Nigerian military in the fight against Boko Haram.

In a report published Wednesday, Amnesty International accused the military of being responsible for the deaths of 8,000 prisoners.

dimeji akinloye