Boko Haram attacks: End these shocking acts of brutality

19 November 2015, 17:01 UTC

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL NIGERIA    

PRESS RELEASE

Immediate: 19 November 2015

Boko Haram attacks: End these shocking acts of brutality

Boko Haram must end its campaign of senseless killings and the Nigerian authorities must bring those responsible to justice, said Amnesty International in the wake of the latest bomb attacks which killed dozens and injured more than 180 people.

At least 32 people are reported to have been killed by a bomb blast in the north eastern Nigerian city of Yola on Tuesday 17 November while at least 14 people died following a double suicide bomb attack by two female suicide bombers in a market in the city of Kano on Wednesday 18 November. While Boko Haram has not claimed responsibility for all these attacks, Amnesty International believes, based on analysis of the pattern of attacks as well as information gathered from witnesses and human rights defenders, that the bombings fit the group’s methods and targets.

“These shocking acts of brutality cannot be permitted to continue with impunity. How much longer must people in Nigeria be forced to live in fear as such heinous attacks are committed against them?” said Netsanet Belay, Amnesty International’s Africa Research and Advocacy Director.

“We reiterate our call on Boko Haram to stop these senseless killings and on the Nigerian government to take all possible legal steps to ensure the protection of civilians and restore security in the north east. Those responsible for these crimes must be brought to justice.” 

Background

Amnesty International has been documenting war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Boko Haram since 2009. In April 2015, Amnesty International released a report titled 'Our job is to shoot, slaughter and kill': Boko Haram's reign of terror in north-east Nigeria. The report documented acts amounting war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Boko Haram, drawing on 377 interviews, including 189 with victims of and eye-witnesses to attacks by Boko Haram; 22 with local officials; 22 with military sources; and 102 with human rights defenders.