By Erewunmi Peace

Amnesty International has strongly criticised the Federal Government over what it describes as a growing wave of insecurity and human rights violations in Nigeria’s South-East region.

In a newly released report titled “A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in South-East Nigeria,” the organisation revealed that at least 1,844 people were killed between January 2021 and June 2023 in violent attacks involving armed groups and security operatives.

The report cites killings carried out by so-called “unknown gunmen,” armed factions linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), criminal gangs and vigilante groups — alongside alleged extrajudicial actions by state forces.

Amnesty International accused authorities of failing to protect civilians while numerous abuses continue unchecked. It urged the Nigerian government to stop impunity, ensure accountability and uphold the rights of residents in the region.

The group further called for independent investigations into unlawful killings and demanded that both security officers and armed non-state actors responsible for crimes must face justice.

1,844 deaths recorded in roughly 30 months

Perpetrators include armed groups and security forces

Civilians remain primary victims

Calls for urgent reforms to protect human rights

Amnesty International emphasised that the worsening situation has left many communities living in fear, and insisted that the government must prioritise transparency and human security in the region.