…Say retaliatory actions escalate violence
By Henry Uche
The Community of Practice Against Mass Atrocities and its allied organizations, under the auspices of Nigeria Mourns, condemn the brutal killing of six civilians and five soldiers during an attack at a military checkpoint at Obikabia Junction in Obingwa Local Government Area, Abia State, on May 30, 2024, by unidentified gunmen.
In a statement jointly signed by the Executive Director, We the People, Ken Henshaw; Executive Director, Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu; Executive Director, Center for Community Excellence, Adamu Kotorkoshi; Executive Director, African Initiative for Peace Building, Advocacy and Advancement (AfriPeace), Dr. Chirs Kwaja; Executive Director, Sesor Empowerment Foundation, Ier Jonathan Ichaver; Executive Director, Alliances for Africa, Iheoma Obibi; and Team Lead, Srarina Initiative for Peace, Justice and Development, Redzie Jugo, they called for an immediate investigation into the incident and accountability for the heinous act.
“We note the inordinately high price Nigeria’s security forces pay time and again while protecting lives and property. We condole their families and the families of the military personnel and civilians killed in this attack and other attacks across Nigeria.
“We acknowledge the complex and painful history of distrust between civilians and law enforcement, particularly in the South East, and note that this has continued to exacerbate insecurity in the region.
“The most recent attacks by unidentified assailants will only further deepen this narrative, except if this is stemmed by the exercise of restraint on the part of the military by allowing the due process of investigation and prosecution for the crime.
“We therefore urge the military and members of the community in which these atrocious acts took place, to exercise restraint, allow the police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and not resort to acts of vengeance or reprisals.
“It is imperative that we trust in the due process of law to bring those responsible to justice. Retaliatory actions can only serve to escalate the cycle of violence and undermine the principles of justice and peace that we strive to uphold”
The Civil Society Groups said it believe the crisis presents an opportunity for the military to change the prevailing public perception of their disregard for the rule of law and rebuild trust with the civilian population, reinforcing the values of discipline and integrity, which are the cornerstones of their commitment to service.
“The police force should promptly conducts a thorough and impartial investigation and brings those responsible for the attacks to justice. The findings of the investigations should be made public to ensure transparency in the process and build public trust.
“The government should provides adequate support and compensation to the families of victims – both military and civilian and government promotes initiatives that promote dialogue and cooperation between civilians and security forces to rebuild trust and social cohesion to prevent further attacks.
“If we must build a nation where peace and justice reign, we must end impunity and promote a culture of the rule of law” they stressed.