30 lives were lost when gunmen launched a deadly ambush on travelers along a major highway in southeastern Nigeria, according to rights watchdog Amnesty International.
The organization reported on Friday that more than 20 vehicles, including trucks, were torched during the brazen assault on the Okigwe-Owerri highway in Imo State on Thursday. While police have acknowledged the incident, they have not confirmed the number of casualties.
No group has stepped forward to claim responsibility, but authorities suspect the involvement of the Eastern Security Network, a militant wing of the banned separatist movement, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
RELATED STORIES
READ ALSO: Mogadishu flooding kills seven as torrential rains swamp Somalia’s capital
The roots of the secessionist struggle in Nigeria’s southeast stretch back to the Biafran War of 1967–1970, during which the self-declared Republic of Biafra attempted to break away from Nigeria. The conflict claimed an estimated one million lives, many due to famine.
Watch a recent episode of The BreakDown podcast below and subscribe to our channel PanaGenius TV for latest episodes.
Amnesty International urged the Nigerian authorities to take swift action, stating, “International law requires the Nigerian government to promptly investigate unlawful killings with a view to bringing perpetrators to justice.”
A police spokesperson, Okoye Henry, confirmed that one suspect was fatally shot during a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.
“An intensive manhunt is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice,” Henry said in a statement.
Two of IPOB’s high-profile figures, Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa, are currently in custody, in Nigeria and Finland respectively.
Kanu faces a seven-count indictment on charges of terrorism and treasonable felony. He has denied all charges.
READ ALSO: Deadly floods in eastern Congo leave 62 dead, 50 still missing
Although formal extradition proceedings have not begun, the Nigerian government stated on Friday that discussions with Finnish authorities are underway to ensure Ekpa is held accountable for his alleged role in the unrest.
Nigeria, home to more than 210 million people, has for years battled waves of violence, much of it linked to extremist and separatist armed factions.
READ ALSO: Gunmen kill 20 people in northwest Nigeria mining town – Amnesty reports
