Killing of Pro-Biafra Protesters (2015-2016)

The 2015–2016 Killing of Biafran Protesters refers to the ongoing killing of demonstrators demanding the restoration of the sovereignty of the Republic of Biafra by Nigerian security forces, especially the Nigerian army, in several towns and cities of the southeastern parts of Nigeria. The demonstrations are spearheaded by several secessionist groups.

The South-East Based Coalition of Human Rights Organizations (SBCHROs) estimates that about 80 members of the pro-Biafra group the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their supporters have been killed by Nigerian security operatives under the directive of the Nigerian government between August 30, 2015 and February 9, 2016.

The most notable incidents were the protests that took place in Onitsha on December 2, 2015 where about 11 people reportedly lost their lives, including 2 policemen and 9 activists; and in Aba on February 9, 2016 where six members of the secessionist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were killed by the Nigerian police and army with about 20 others arrested. Also, the Indigenous People of Biafra has claimed that Nigerian soldiers have secretly killed and burned the corpses of Biafran activists to hide evidence.

In addition to the killings, members of the Igbo ethnic group, who are at the forefront of the secessionist agitations, have been subjected to abuse, intimidation and harassment by Nigerian security operatives. An instance December 23, 2015, many Igbos returning home for Christmas celebrations from the western part of the country were detained and molested on the Onitsha Niger River Bridge for several hours by soldiers conducting stop and search operations, it is yet unconfirmed if these harassments were by directives or deviation on the part of the check men. The gridlock occasioned by this lasted for up to twelve hours with many commuters spending the night on both ends of the bridge.

The Nigerian military and Federal Government have strenuously denied engaging in any of those acts, despite records to the contrary. This is indicative of a Lord over pattern in the discharge of duties by Nigerian Police and Military men.

Biafra Day Celebration

May 30, 2016, Biafra Day anniversary celebration turned bloody, in Southeastern states as soldiers and policemen attacked pro-Biafra groups. In the commercial city of Onitsha, Nigerian local news reporters quoted eye witnesses as saying that 40 people were killed, while over 50 pro-Biafra members were arrested. The incident, according to an eye witness, "started about 3 a.m. when security forces entered the premises of St. Edmund’s Catholic Church, Nkpor Agu, near Onitsha and allegedly opened fire on the worshippers, accusing them of being members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during which five were killed, while 10 others were injured". 35 more deaths were recorded following further swoops on other members of the pro-Biafra group in the commercial city by security forces. According to the group's public relations officer, Mr Emma Powerful, and local reporters, many more members were killed and 358 or more were arrested in several southeastern states and cities including Owerri, Obigbo, Asaba, Enugu, Ikom, and Umuahia. Anambra State government said the rally was illegal becuase the group did not obtain permission for the procession.

Why We Attacked

Following the massacre, the Nigerian Army said it killed some activists "due to the widespread panic, tension and apprehension generated from the activities of the MASSOB and IPOB members though there have been no reports of killing or vandalism by the activists constituted of members of the population of the former Biafra. Security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police, Department of State Service and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency claimed they were compelled to intervene in consonance with constitutional provisions of aid to civil authority where and when such occasion demands," signed Colonel H A Gambo, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu.

Freedom of Expression

Debunking the violent accusations of the security forces, the National Publicity Secretary of Campaign for Democracy (CD), a human right group, Mr. Dede-Uzor-Dede, asked "the Federal Government to arrest those involved in the killings of the harmless youths, with a view to bringing them to justice, in line with Chapter 4, Sections 33 to 41 which centred on fundamental human rights and in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended." Similarly, the Deputy Senate President, Mr Ike Ekweremadu, said Nigeria is “in a democracy and people should be entitled to speak their minds and to assemble under responsible circumstances," whilst calling for condemnation of such act of killing especially of young people in any part of Nigeria, on the floor of the senate on Tuesday May 31, 2016. The Deputy Senate President also advised the security forces to be responsible in dealing with circumstances such as the rally. “I think that the point he has raised must draw attention of all and see what necessary action will be taken in other to address this matter,” remarked the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki in response.

Domestic and International Reactions

These killings and intimidation have largely gone unnoticed by the international media despite dominating headlines in the local media, while world leaders have remained mum to the plight of Biafrans. Thus far, few politicians have voiced their concerns about the killings. Former Deputy Leader of the British Labour Party, Harriet Harman, petitioned the British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Philip Hammond, for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra Nnamdi Kanu, while Amnesty International claims to be working on "consistent" reports of the use of "excessive force" against protesters connected to the pro-Biafran movement.

The European Union through its High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini had previously said it was in support of the peaceful conduct of a referendum on independence.

Following the agitations for Biafra and feelings of marginalisation, the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar joined advocates for restructuring of the nation to remove impediments to economic and political development of the country. "Agitations by many right thinking Nigerians call for a restructuring and renewal of our federation to make it less centralized, less suffocating and less dictatorial in the affairs of our country’s constituent units and localities," remarked the former vice president during book launch in Abuja on May 31, 2016.