The Nigerian security forces must exercise restraint when policing demonstrations marking the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Biafra War on Tuesday (today) and avoid a repetition of the bloodbath caused by their heavy-handed response last year when more than 60 people were allegedly gunned down, said Amnesty International.
The position of the group was contained in a statement signed by its Director in Nigeria, Osai Ojigho.
Ojigho said: “Last year’s heavy-handed response against pro-Biafra activists further stirred up tensions in the south east of Nigeria. The reckless approach to crowd control favoured by the security forces when policing peaceful pro-Biafra protests has left more than 150 dead since August 2015, not to mention cases of enforced disappearance and unlawful detention.
“We urge the Nigerian security agencies to conduct themselves in a manner that will ensure public order without resorting to force.”
During the Biafra Day celebrations last year in Onitsha, Anambra State, soldiers allegedly shot people in several locations.
Amnesty International research concluded that at least 60 extra-judicial killings were committed in the space of two days, with a further 70 people injured.
The real number is likely to be higher, Amnesty International said.
“Despite overwhelming evidence that members of the Nigerian security forces fired live ammunition with little or no warning 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,” said Ojigho.
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