2015-2016 Killing of Biafran Protesters
The 2015-2016 Killing of Biafran Protesters refers to the ongoing killing of demonstrators demanding the restoration of the sovereignty of the Republic of Biafra by Nigerian security forces, especially the Nigerian army, in several towns and cities of the southeastern parts of Nigeria. The demonstrations are spearheaded by several secessionist groups who sometimes collaborate with each other and at other times organize protests out of their own accord.
The South-East Based Coalition of Human Rights Organizations (SBCHROs) estimates that about 80 members of the pro-Biafra group the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their supporters have been killed by Nigerian security operatives under the directive of the Nigerian government between August 30, 2015 and February 9, 2016.[1]
The most notable incidents were the protests that took place in Onitsha on December 2, 2015 where about 11 people reportedly lost their lives, including 2 policemen and 9 activists;[2] and in Aba on February 9, 2016 where six members of the secessionist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were killed by the Nigerian police and army with about 20 others arrested.[3] Also, the Indigenous People of Biafra has claimed that Nigerian soldiers have secretly killed and burned the corpses of Biafran activists to hide evidence.[4]
In addition to the killings, members of the Igbo ethnic group, who are at the forefront of the secessionist agitations, have been subjected to abuse, intimidation and harassment by Nigerian security operatives. On December 23, 2015, many Igbos returning home for Christmas celebrations from the western part of the country were detained and molested on the Onitsha Niger River Bridge for several hours by soldiers conducting stop and search operations. The gridlock occasioned by this lasted for up to twelve hours with many commuters spending the night on both ends of the bridge.[5]
The Nigerian military and Federal Government have strenuously denied engaging in any of those acts,[6] despite records to the contrary.
Domestic and International Reactions
These killings and intimidation have largely gone unnoticed by the international media despite dominating headlines in the local media, while world leaders have remained mum to the plight of Biafrans. Thus far, few politicians have voiced their concerns about the killings. Former Deputy Leader of the British Labour Party, Harriet Harman, petitioned the British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Philip Hammond, for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra Nnamdi Kanu,[7] while Amnesty International claims to be working on "consistent" reports of the use of "excessive force" against protesters connected to the pro-Biafran movement.[8]
The European Union through its High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini had previously said it was in support of the peaceful conduct of a referendum on independence.[9]
References
- ↑ ["http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/biafra-security-forces-killed-80-ipob-members-rights-coalition/ Biafra Will Not Stand, Buhari Vows"]
- ↑ Two Policemen, Nine Others Die in Pro-Biafra Protest in Onitsha"
- ↑ Biafra: Six IPOB Members Shot Dead in Aba, 30 Injured, 40 in Police Net"
- ↑ Nigerian Army Murders and Burns the Corpses of Pro-Biafra Activists"
- ↑ Search for Pro-Biafra Agitators: Soldiers Block Onitsha Bridge Head"
- ↑ Nigeria: Biafrans Activate Right to Self-Defence as Civil Societies Condemn Aba Killings"
- ↑ British Parliament Member Petitions UK Government Over Nnamdi Kanu's Detention"
- ↑ Nigeria Must Probe Serious Violence Claims Against Pro-Biafrans Says Amnesty International"
- ↑ Referendum: EU High Representative Replies Biafra, Organization of Emerging African States"