Amnesty Raises Alarm: Over 1,800 Killed in South-East as Violence Deepens Across Nigeria

More than 1,800 people — including a traditional ruler — have been brutally killed in Nigeria’s South-East within just two years, according to new data released by Amnesty International. The global rights organisation revealed that both separatist gunmen and security forces have contributed to widespread human rights violations, leaving communities in fear and mourning.

Between January 2021 and June 2023, at least 1,844 people reportedly lost their lives across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states. Amnesty described the killings as part of “a decade of impunity,” adding that most victims never got justice as investigations were either stalled or silenced by intimidation.

One chilling example was the murder of HRH Eze Ignatius Asor, the traditional ruler of Obudu Agwa in Imo State. Witnesses recounted how about 30 armed men stormed his palace in 2022, executing him and two visiting chiefs in cold blood — a crime that remains unsolved to this day.

The violence traces back to the rise of separatist activities in 2019, particularly the enforcement of sit-at-home orders linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Though IPOB has denied targeting civilians, Amnesty’s findings show several breakaway groups now operate independently, attacking police stations, markets, and local leaders.

Imo remains the most affected state, recording over 400 deaths between 2019 and 2021. Yet, the number continues to climb — with more than 100 people killed since late 2022 in renewed attacks and reprisal killings.

“A Region Living in Fear”
Amnesty’s investigation paints a grim picture of terror and mistrust. Communities like Oguta, Izombe, and Lilu have witnessed mass displacements as armed gangs extort residents and burn homes. At the same time, the government-backed Ebube Agu security network has been accused of arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings.

Families of victims often face threats for seeking justice, while the lack of accountability has emboldened perpetrators on both sides. “Communities now live between the terror of the gunmen and the fear of those meant to protect them,” Amnesty warned.

The Defence Headquarters has since denied Amnesty’s claims, insisting that all military operations in the region follow legal procedures. However, local reports continue to highlight cases of abuse and property destruction during raids in Imo, Anambra, and Ebonyi states.

Beyond the human cost, the insecurity has crippled local economies. Many traders and farmers now abandon highways and markets, while small businesses fold under the pressure of frequent lockdowns.

Amnesty’s latest report, “A Decade of Impunity,” urges the Nigerian government to establish an independent panel to probe all killings and human rights abuses in the region. It also calls for demilitarisation and greater oversight of regional security outfits.

“Security must not come at the cost of human rights,” the organisation said. “Without justice, peace in the South-East will remain elusive.”

The report closes with a chilling warning: if the current trajectory continues, the South-East could soon descend into another full-blown conflict zone.