In Enugu, Igbo, Imo [Owerri the capital of Imo State], and many parts of Nigeria, the osu caste, also known as Umuode in Enugu, are "regarded as slaves or second-class citizens" and are subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment (Newswatch 12 Jan. 2000; Africa Economic Analysis 13 June 1999). "In Imo State alone, over 60 incidents have been documented since 1979 showing the inhuman treatments to which the osu are subjected...In Akwa-Etiti, Anambra state, the osu and diala live in different sections of the town" (Newswatch 12 Jan. 2000; ibid.).

In Igboland, the osu are pejoratively referred to as "those who are sacrificial lambs to the gods" (Africa Economic Analysis 13 June 1999); in both Iboland and Enugu State, Umuode, persons said to be descendants of osu, are not allowed to mingle with other people, intermarry with the "freeborn" nor buy and sell in the same market as their neighbours (ibid., Newswatch 12 Jan. 2000). Incidents of provocation between the Umuode and their neighbours resulted in fighting in November 1995, which claimed many lives, destroyed several buildings, and engendered human displacements (Newswatch 12 Jan. 2000).

A number of commissions of enquiry set up by the military regimes recommended the setting up of a separate community for the osu, but a state governor reportedly annulled the autonomous status given to the osu in April 1999 because it was not acceptable to their neighbours. While the Umuode accepted it, the Oruku people, opposed it on the ground that these were ex-slaves in almost every community in Enugu and in Igboland. Giving them a separate community would open a "floodgate of petions for autonomous communities for this group wherever they exist in Enugu State." The Umuoade have reportedly presented their case in a petition to the Human Rights Commission (ibid.).

In May 1994, the Catholic Bishop's Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) called for the abolition of the caste. Archbishop Anthony Obinna of Owerri reportedly "regretted that customs like the osu/Diala system created a situation of real apartheid" (Africa News 24 May 1999).

For an analysis of the situation of the osu in Nigeria, please consult the attached document.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please see the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Africa News. 24 May 1999. "Nigeria: Catholic Bishops Agree on Need to Abolish Bad Customs." (NEXIS)

Africa Economic Analysis. 13 June 1999. Victor Dike. "The 'Caste System' in Nigeria, Democratization and Culture: Socio-political and Civil Rights Implications." http://.afbis.com/analysis/caste.htm[Accessed: 30 Mar. 2000)

Newswatch. 12 January 2000. Tobs Agbaegbu. Vol. 31. No. 1. "The Osu Take Their Case Against the Diala to the Human Rights Commission." http://www.newswatchngr.com/Slavery%20in%20Igboland.htm [Accessed: 30 Mar.2000)

Africa Economic Analysis. 13 June 1999. Victor Dike. "The 'Caste System' in Nigeria, Democratization and Culture: Socio-political and Civil Rights Implications." http://.afbis.com/analysis/caste.htm[Accessed: 30 Mar. 2000)

Africa News Bulletin 1998-1999.

Amnesty International Report 1999 1999.

Country Reports for 1998 1999.

Keesing's Record of World Events. 1998-1999.

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