Amnesty International says at least 30 dead in separatist attack in southeastern Nigeria

At least 30 people were killed in a gunmen attack on travelers along the Okigwe-Owerri highway in southeastern Nigeria’s Imo state, Arab News reported citing Amnesty International.

More than 20 vehicles and trucks were set ablaze during the assault, which occurred on Thursday. While no group has officially claimed responsibility, police suspect the Eastern Security Network, the paramilitary wing of the banned separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The separatist movement traces back to the Biafra civil war (1967-1970), which resulted in an estimated one million deaths. Amnesty International called on the Nigerian government to promptly investigate the unlawful killings and bring perpetrators to justice in line with international law.

Police confirmed the attack but did not verify the death toll. One suspect was killed during a joint law enforcement operation, and a manhunt is ongoing for others involved. IPOB leaders Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa are currently in custody in Nigeria and Finland, respectively, with Kanu facing terrorism and treason charges. The Nigerian government is negotiating with Finnish authorities regarding Ekpa’s extradition.