Amnesty International has strongly condemned the brutal attack that occurred on Thursday, May 8, 2025, along the Okigwe-Owerri R...
Amnesty International has strongly condemned the brutal attack that occurred on Thursday, May 8, 2025, along the Okigwe-Owerri Road in Imo State, which left at least 30 people dead and more than 20 commuter vehicles and trucks burned.
In a statement released on Friday, the human rights organization described the incident as a “vicious attack” allegedly carried out by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Amnesty said the act demonstrated “callous disregard for the sanctity of life.”
“The gunmen that positioned themselves around the Okigwe-Owerri highway and in areas of Umuna in Onuimo Local Government Area unleashed violence in an utter show of impunity,” the statement read.
Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to immediately launch a transparent and thorough investigation into the attack and to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. “International law requires the Nigerian government to promptly investigate unlawful killings with a view to bringing perpetrators to justice,” the organization added.
The group also urged all armed actors operating in southeastern Nigeria to halt their campaign of “vicious and unlawful killings,” warning that the continued violence is further destabilizing the region and endangering civilian lives.
The Federal Government and Imo State authorities are yet to issue a comprehensive statement as of the time of filing this report.
No comments