Amnesty International Nigeria has called for urgent, independent and transparent investigations into widespread killings and alleged human rights violations across Nigeria’s South-East, warning that continued impunity poses a major threat to lasting peace and security in the region.
The appeal was made during the presentation of two reports titled “A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in South-East Nigeria” and “Tiger Base Atrocities: Human Rights Violations” at a stakeholders’ engagement held in Awka, Anambra State.
The event brought together representatives of civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), religious and traditional leaders, development partners, youth and women groups, academics and media practitioners from across the South-East.
Speaking at the event, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Media and Communications Manager, Doosuur Iwambe Tsee, said insecurity has affected virtually every community in the region and urged Nigerians to continue speaking out against violence and injustice.
She explained that the reports were based on extensive field investigations involving interviews with victims, witnesses and other stakeholders across affected communities.
According to Amnesty International, its findings documented thousands of killings, abductions, torture, enforced disappearances and the destruction of homes and property between 2021 and 2024.
The organisation also alleged that violations were committed by both state and non-state actors, including armed groups, security agencies and other criminal elements, stressing that accountability remains essential to restoring public confidence.
Presenting the research findings, Amnesty International Research Officer, Maurice Chukwu, said insecurity in the South-East involves multiple actors, making the security situation more complex than in many other parts of the country.
He noted that the reports highlighted attacks on communities, kidnappings, cult-related violence, restrictions on movement and the economic impact of the Monday sit at home order across the region.
The reports also referenced several high-profile killings and incidents in Anambra State, as well as allegations of arbitrary arrests, torture, unlawful killings and enforced disappearances.
Amnesty International acknowledged ongoing security initiatives introduced by the Anambra State Government but maintained that sustainable peace can only be achieved through strict adherence to the rule of law, respect for human rights and accountability for all perpetrators, regardless of affiliation.
The organisation called on the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies and other stakeholders to thoroughly investigate all allegations of human rights abuses, ensure justice for victims, compensate affected families where appropriate and strengthen institutional accountability as part of efforts to restore lasting peace in the South-East.
