Amnesty International has raised concerns over the disappearance of several individuals allegedly linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist movement in Nigeria.
The human rights organization cited cases such as Eberechi Ukaegbu, abducted in March 2021.
And Ikechukwu Henry, taken in August 2021, with families struggling to locate them despite reporting to authorities.
Security forces’ actions caused the disappearances, sparking allegations of high-handedness against IPOB members.
Case of Kalu Onwuka Kelechi Reveals State Repression
In June, an investigation by News Band Newspaper revealed how Kalu Onwuka Kelechi became a victim of Nigerian State high-handedness against members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB).
Onwuka was killed after security forces invaded his village following gunmen attack at the divisional police station in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State in 2024.
Summary Executions Amid Security Clampdown
A family source, according to the media outlet, revealed that following the attack at the police divisional headquarters, Nigerian government drafted security forces to the Local Government.
Many young men were allegedly arrested and given summary execution without proper investigation.
Kalu was labeled a gunman by security operatives for being a member of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB).
Recent Amnesty International Concerns on Abductions
Recent, Amnesty International raised concern about the abduction of Eberechi Ukaegbu by security personnel.
Armed security agents abducted Eberechi Ukaegbu from his residence in Alaukwu-Umuoma, Obingwa LGA of Abia state, at about 1:30am in March 2021 over alleged IPOB membership.
Abduction of Eberechi Ukaegbu
According to Amnesty International, he was about 50 years old at the time of his abduction.
His 38-year-old sister while recounting the harrowing experience to Amnesty International said: “Security agents came at night at about 1:30AM, well-armed with AK47s, shouting, ‘Open the gate!’
We were so frightened. No one could go and open the gate.
“They forcefully broke into the compound and took my brother.
We have been to many places to search for him; we have gone to Aba in Abia state. We have gone to several police stations. They said they have no record of him.
“We have also been to the DSS office, and they said they have no record of such a person in their custody.
My brother is married with 5 children. His wife and children are still in his residence.
His family suffers deeply from the void his abduction created.
Abduction of Ikechukwu Henry
Another case is the one of Ikechukwu Henry.
He was reportedly abducted by security agents.
Ikechukwu Henry, who hails from Orlu in Imo State, security agents abducted from his residence at Garki Enugu at 2:00AM on 23 August 2021 over alleged IPOB membership.
His 27-year-old wife, a mother of one, narrated the said experience to Amnesty International.
I was not aware of those who were knocking.
and I usually wake up in the middle of the night to breastfeed my three-month-old baby.
I woke up scared because someone was knocking on the door.
When I opened the door, I saw men in uniform.
“They had surrounded our house. They dragged me out and asked: “Where is Henry?”
Before I could reply to them, they forced me out of the door and entered our house, searching for my husband, he was asleep.
They dragged my husband outside and were slapping him. I shouted in shock.
They told me that if I shout again, they will beat me.
They asked me to put on my clothes so that I could go to the station with them.
I asked them what we did. They say I will find out when I get to the station.
“And they beat my husband so badly. They searched our house.
They could not find anything. Then, they dragged us outside, my husband and I with my little baby.
I did not have any clothing to cover the baby. I covered her with our bedsheet.
We entered their Hilux vehicle. They drove off to the Nigerian army 82 Division Enugu.
“When we got to 82 Division, it was about 4:00AM.
We stayed in the guard room till they were able to open the main building in the morning.
Then they took us inside the main building and started interrogating us.
They were asking me about my husband and his occupation.
I told them that my husband is a caterer; he cooks for people during ceremonies.
“On the third day after his abduction, when I went to visit him, they told me that I should not come back to visit him, that he was no longer there, as they had transferred him to Abuja.
Then I asked them which place in Abuja; they refused to tell me.
Since 23 August 2021, when security agents abducted my husband, I have not seen him.
We have been searching for him everywhere.”
Amnesty International Calls for Urgent Investigations
However, Amnesty International is calling for investigations into these incidents, emphasizing the need to address human rights concerns.
