Global rights group, Amnesty International, has called on the Nigerian government to commence an investigation into military airstrikes that occurred in August along the Bonny River in August on a wooden boat reportedly carrying foodstuff.
All occupants, said to be the boat handlers, suffered varying degrees of injuries and were admitted for treatment at a facility in Okrika after the attack. The military in a statement later justify its action, alleging that the boat was conveying illegal petroleum products and the occupants, who it also alleged were heavily armed, also refused to stop for routine search.
In a statement on Friday, Isa Sanusi, Media Manager, Amnesty International Nigeria, while also calling for investigation into airstrikes in Yobe which killed several persons, stated that the families of those killed in the strikes must be compensated.
The statement reads, “Amnesty International is calling on the Nigerian authorities to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the recent military airstrike that killed at least 9 people and injured 20 people on 15 September when Nigerian Air Force fighter jets targeted several villages in Yobe State, including Buwari, Bulabulin, Matari, Malari and Kajinjiri.
“Similarly, on 26 August a wooden passenger boat ferrying passengers and their goods from Port Harcourt to Bonny in Rivers State was targeted by a military helicopter, injuring several passengers.”
Osai Ojigho, Director, Amnesty International Nigeria, was quoted as saying, “Nigerian government must immediately conduct a full, transparent and impartial investigation into the horrific incidents in Yobe and Rivers states.
“Amnesty International is calling for full reparations for the relatives of those killed in the strikes, as well as remedy for other victims in previous military air strikes—including compensation, restitution and rehabilitation. Nigerian military must abide by international law in future military operations and protect lives of civilians.”
The group added that anyone suspected of criminal responsibility should be prosecuted in a fair trial.
It also urged the government to ensure that survivors and families of the victims should be kept informed of the progress of the investigation and be given full reparation.
“Previous incidents in the North East of Nigeria and Niger Delta region were met with deafening silence and outright denial by the military while devastated families suffer in silence,” the statement added.
