Amnesty International Nigeria (AIN) has called for an investigation into the killing of nine people including 18-month-old Aisha Abba by a Nigerian soldier in Mafa Local Government Area, Borno State
Reacting to the killing of nine civilians by a soldier, who was on a rampage in Borno state northeast Nigeria on 23 March, Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria said eyewitnesses confirmedl that the soldier, who was enroute to his new duty station, shot at the driver and other travellers shortly after having a short argument with someone.
“The tragic shooting of nine people including 18-month-old Aisha Abba by a Nigerian soldier in Mafa Local Government Area, Borno state is yet another chilling reminder of the pervasive culture of impunity enjoyed by the armed forces.
“At least four travellers and five wedding guests were unlawfully killed and many injured when a Nigerian soldier shot intentionally at commuters travelling to Gamboru-Ngala, before running towards Mafa town and attacking some guests preparing for a wedding.
“Eyewitnesses informed Amnesty International that the soldier, who was enroute to his new duty station, shot at the driver and other travellers shortly after having a short argument with someone. A passenger in his early 60s was among those who died instantly while the driver and other passengers sustained varying degree of injuries.
“The soldier who kept shouting “he will kill them all and nothing will happen” ran towards Mafa town entering a building where guests were getting ready for a wedding and attacked the women cooking for the celebration, instantly killing three and injuring more than 10 people. When he ran out of ammunition, he held the aunt of the bride hostage with a knife threatening to kill her if the mob that had gathered tried attacking him. He was eventually apprehended by the military,” Ojigho said.
Amnesty International called on the Nigerian government to ensure that this soldier is brought to criminal courts and tried, so that victims get justice, and that those injured in the shooting are provided with adequate medical treatment.
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