"Nigerian Soldiers Shot Defenceless Biafra Protesters And Loaded Their Corpses Into Vans"

Amnesty International says an on-the-ground investigation has confirmed that the Nigeria army shot many unarmed people during last month’s planned pro-Biafran commemoration events in Onitsha, Anambra state. According to the human rights watchdog, evidence gathered from eyewitnesses, morgues and hospitals confirmed that between 29-30 May 2016, the Nigerian military opened fire on members of the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), supporters and bystanders at three locations in the town.
Amnesty International says
an on-the-ground investigation has confirmed that the Nigeria army shot many unarmed people during last month’s planned pro-Biafran commemoration events in Onitsha, Anambra state.
According to the human rights watchdog, evidence gathered from eyewitnesses, morgues and hospitals confirmed that between 29-30 May 2016, the Nigerian military opened fire on members of the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), supporters and bystanders at three locations in the town.
“Opening fire on peaceful IPOB supporters and bystanders who clearly posed no threat to anyone is an outrageous use of unnecessary and excessive force and resulted in multiple deaths and injuries,” MK Ibrahim, country director of Amnesty International Nigeria, said.
“In one incident one person was shot dead after the authorities burst in on them while they slept These shootings, some of which may amount to extra judicial executions, must be urgently and independently investigated and anyone suspected of criminal responsibility must be brought to justice.”
The exact number of deaths is unknown, partly due to the fact that the Nigerian army took away corpses and the injured.
Amnesty International has received reports from various sources on the ground alleging that at least 40 people were killed and more than 50 injured.
The organisation said after visits to hospitals and morgues; it confirmed – based on initial investigation – that at least 17 people were killed and nearly 50 injured.
“The real number is likely to be higher,” the human right body said.
“Some of the dead and injured IPOB supporters seen were shot in the back, an indication that they were fleeing the scene when they were shot.”