Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen | Stone Reporters News
Amnesty International Nigeria has revealed that more than 400 people were killed in Imo State between January 2019 and December 2021, as a wave of violence and insecurity gripped the South-East region. The report detailed how gunmen, often operating without masks, launched frequent attacks on residents, police stations, and vigilante offices, leaving behind a trail of destruction and fear.
According to Amnesty International, the sustained assaults have also led to reprisal attacks, resulting in additional deaths, injuries, and the displacement of thousands of residents. The group noted that many communities have been left in distress, with families mourning loved ones and livelihoods shattered by continuous unrest.
The report further highlighted the impact of the sit-at-home order enforced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which was declared on August 9, 2021, across the South-East. Amnesty International said the directive has led to widespread human rights violations, with several people reportedly beaten or killed for defying the order.
The organization expressed concern over how the enforcement of the directive has crippled social and economic activities in the region. Schools have been shut down, examinations disrupted, and children forced to stay home for fear of violence. Markets and businesses across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states have also suffered, with traders and daily earners counting their losses due to restricted movement and insecurity.
Amnesty International called on authorities to take urgent steps to protect civilians, restore law and order, and address the root causes of the conflict. The human rights body also urged all actors involved to respect the rights and safety of residents and end actions that continue to fuel instability in the South-East.
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