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| Biafra Protesters |
International Human Rights group, Amnesty International, has
accused the Nigerian Army of killing at least 17 unarmed members of the
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) during a clash with the group in Anambra
state on May 30th.
According to the statement released which was released today
June 10, the group says investigations carried out by its officials who met
with eyewitnesses and also visited morgues and hospitals, indicates that
soldiers opened fire
on members of IPOB and their supporters in Onitsha,
Anambra State during the build up to a march by the group to celebrate Biafra
Armed Forces Remembrance day.
The Nigerian Army, however, in a statement released on June
1st, accused the pro-Biafra members of first attacking its officers with
weapons such as firearms and dynamites and that the officers shot at the group
members in self defence.
The Nigerian military in its statement claimed five members
of IPOB were killed, eight wounded while nine were arrested. Amnesty however
says this is untrue as its investigation showed that at least 17 people were
killed and nearly 50 injured, adding that “the real number is likely to be
higher”.
"Information gathered by Amnesty International
indicates that the deaths of supporters and members of IPOB was the consequence
of excessive, and unnecessary use of force," Amnesty said
At least one million people died in the 1967-70 civil war
started by Biafran secessionists. Protests have resumed over the past year.
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