We are investigating alleged killing of pro-Biafra agitators – Chief of Army Staff, Buratai

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, Thursday in Enugu disclosed that the Nigerian military was investigating the alleged killing of pro-Biafra protesters in Aba, Abia State.
The army have been subject of heavy criticisms by several right groups, including the Amnesty International, for allegedly opening fire on pro-Biafra activists, killing scores of them.


DAILY POST recalls that members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, have been involved in series of protests across Nigerian cities demanding the release of Mr. Nnandi Kanu as well as for a Biafra republic.
However, speaking in Enugu at the headquarters of the 82 Division, the Army Chief said “we are already investigating; such incidents, once they involved loss of lives, we investigate”.
Buratai is in Enugu as part of his on-going familiarization tour of military formations in the country.
On the on-going anti-insurgency war in the North-East, Buratai said “we are in Sambisa now, we will continue to clear them. Sambisa is as big as Enugu and Anambra States combined.


“So, you need thorough planning and intelligence”.

The COAS had earlier while addressing military officers charged them to respect human rights by holding on to the rules of engagement.
While noting that the use of force should be used when necessary, he said “you must protect the dignity of every Nigerian, but we will not tolerate anyone that is breaking the law.
“In line with our rules of engagement, you must protect every decent citizen; when you are deployed, you must apply and observe them”.
He was, however, quick to add that where someone broke the law “there will be need for use of fire; in that regards, the issue of human rights does not apply.
“So, if you apply all the rules of engagement and you have course to open fire, you are protected by the constitution.”
He pledged to look into all the administrative and operational challenges facing the 82 Division.


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