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Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the authorities to investigate the recovery of 28 human skulls and other bones during a police raid on suspected criminal camps in the forests of Umuaku-Isuochi and Nneato in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
Police in Abia had earlier announced the recovery of the human remains during operations targeting kidnapping camps in the area.
According to a statement issued by the Abia State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Maureen Chinaka, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Anti-Cultism Unit, Intelligence Response Unit, Rapid Response Squad and Isuochi Divisional Police Station participated in the operation said to be part of the ongoing intelligence-led raids under the command’s ‘Operation No Hideout for Criminal Elements in the state.’
The police said the suspects fled upon sighting the tactical teams, leading to the camps being dismantled.
The Abia police command added that investigations had commenced to establish the identities of the victims and circumstances surrounding their deaths, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a statement on Monday, Amnesty said since the victims were assumed to be victims of kidnapping, it became even more necessary to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“Those abducted are frequently subjected to torture, starvation, amputation, rape, or are forced to witness or commit atrocities,” Amnesty said.
It added that families of those who were disappeared, abducted or missing must be given opportunity to provide information that can enhance investigations.
“The Nigerian authorities must urgently end the nationwide menace of abductions, largely motivated by lucrative ransom payments. The authorities must act urgently to establish the truth, preserve evidence and ensure justice and accountability,” the rights group said.
