Human rights watchdog Amnesty International Nigeria has issued a stern call to federal and state authorities to end the cycle of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and rampant impunity in Nigeria’s South-East region.
​The demand was made on Thursday morning, August 20, during a town hall meeting on human rights violations and accountability organized at the municipal center in Umuahia, Abia State.
The event brought together community leaders, civil society organizations, survivors, and legal experts to discuss the escalating security crisis across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states.
​Speaking at the gathering, country spokespersons and human rights advocates highlighted the devastating impact of violence committed by state security forces, armed non-state actors, and state-backed paramilitary groups.
​”The Nigerian government must stop turning a blind eye to the unlawful killings, arbitrary detentions, and destruction of properties in the South-East,” stated representatives from Amnesty International Nigeria.
“Authorities must uphold their constitutional obligations, investigate every unlawful act, and bring all suspected perpetrators to justice through fair trials.”
​Key issues raised during the town hall included the unlawful killings and disappearances of Over 1,800 people have been killed in the region amid military raids, armed group attacks, and reprisal actions.
Amnesty International highlighted the displacement and economic toll of Unchecked violence and enforced sit-at-home orders have crippled local markets, closed schools, and displaced entire communities.
The human rights group calls for comprehensive reforms. Organizers urged state governors and security agencies to establish transparent accountability mechanisms and provide effective remedies to victims and their families.
​The town hall concluded with a collective petition calling on the Ministry of Justice and regional state governors to guarantee the protection of lives, civil liberties, and fundamental human rights throughout the South-East.
