Amnesty International demands probe into Onitsha killings nine years after

Human rights organisation, Amnesty International, has demanded a transparent judicial investigation into the Onitsha massacre of May 30, 2016.
The organisation made this call on Saturday, recalling how the brutal killings occurred nine years ago.
It said, “The Nigerian authorities must open a transparent and effective investigation of the Onitsha massacre of May 30, 2016, when security forces violently cracked down on peaceful Remembrance Day almost nine years ago. Nine years is too long for victims and their families to keep waiting for justice.
“The largest number of pro-Biafra activists were killed on Biafra Remembrance Day on May 30, 2016, when an estimated 1,000 IPOB members and supporters gathered for a rally in Onitsha, Anambra State. The night before the rally, the security forces raided homes and a church where IPOB members were sleeping. On Remembrance Day itself, the security forces shot people in several locations.’’
According to Amnesty International, an estimated population of 60 persons or more were killed between May 30 and 31, while about 70 sustained injuries.
“Amnesty International has not been able to verify the exact number of extrajudicial executions but estimates that at least 60 people were killed and 70 injured in these two days: May 30-31, 2016. The real number is likely to be higher,” the statement reads.
Demanding justice, Amnesty International noted that due investigation must meet international standards.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

States
NDLEA uncovers AK-47 rifle, seizes 5,350 pills of tramadol in Taraba
NDLEA operatives on patrol along Mokwa-Jebba Road on Thursday, May 15, intercepted a Toyota Carina car with registration number AGL 945 BK.

Abuja
We need help; over half of our meagre salaries spent on transport, Abuja civil servants lament
They told journalists on Sunday in Abuja that they had no option but to seek cheaper, often dangerous, means of commuting to and from work.

States
900 farmers, 200 youths empowered in Nnewi North: Council Chair
Mr Anazodo said that within the period under review, over 400 farmers in the area have benefited from farm inputs.

NationWide
MediPool: Tinubu restoring hope of neglected regions through drug price cuts, says ICRC DG
Mr Ewalefoh said the MediPool initiative aimed to centralise the procurement and distribution of essential medicines, vaccines, and consumables.

Lagos
Opioids worth N3.2 billion intercepted at Lagos, Port Harcourt ports: NDLEA
He said the illicit drugs worth N2.1 billion in street value were intercepted in one of the containers watch-listed by the agency based on intelligence.

States
Traditional ruler urges Sanwo-Olu’s govt to reconstruct some Badagry link roads
“I have written a series of letters to the Ministry of Works and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu without any positive response,” the traditional ruler said.