Amnesty International accuses Nigerian Military killing 17 unarmed Biafra protesters in May

Nigeria: International Human Rights group, Amnesty International, on Friday June 10, accused the Nigerian Military of killing at least 17 unarmed members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) calling for secession from Nigeria, during a clash with the group in Anambra state on May 30th 2016.

In  a statement released by Amnesty International, the body's reports based on details from the investigation 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 peaceful protest by the group to celebrate Biafra Armed Forces Remembrance day.

The human rights group reported that the killings took place when the military raided homes and church where IPOB members slept in the early hours of the morning shortly before the march.

The Nigerian Army, however, issued a statement on June 1st, in which it said troops had to "resort to self defence" accusing the pro-Biafra members of first attacking its men 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.

"These efforts were in order to de-escalate the palpable tension as well as ward off the apparent threats to lives and property in the general area," it said, while nine people 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 

 In response to the accusations by Amnesty International, the Nigerian Army through its spokesman Sani Usman said Amnesty's accusations revealed a bias that undermined its credibility.

The contents of the report were rejected by army spokesman Sani Usman. 

"The allegations are unfounded," he said.

"Amnesty is losing credibility," added Usman, who accused the group of being biased against the army.