9. November 2023

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Hintergrund

Konflikte zwischen einheimischer Bevölkerung und Fulani-Hirten in Orlu bzw. im Bundesstaat Imo

Bewaffnete Auseinandersetzungen bzw. Angriffe im Zusammenhang mit Fulani-Kämpfern in Orlu im 4. Quartal 2022 bzw. im Dezember 2022

Tötung eines Politikers im Bundesstaat Imo im Dezember 2022

Quellen

Anhang: Quellenbeschreibungen und Informationen aus ausgewählten Quellen

Kurzbeschreibungen zu den in dieser Anfragebeantwortung verwendeten Quellen sowie Ausschnitte mit Informationen aus diesen Quellen finden Sie im Anhang.

Hintergrund

Die Nigerianische Botschaft in Deutschland beschreibt auf ihrer Webseite die administrative Gliederung Nigerias: Nigeria sei in das Gebiet der Bundesshauptstadt Abuja sowie 36 Bundesstaaten gegliedert, die in 6 geopolitischen Zonen (Süd-West, Süd-Süd, Süd-Ost, Nord-West, Nord-Zentral, Nord-Ost) zusammengefasst seien. Die Süd-Ost-Zone umfasse neben dem Bundesstaat Imo auch die Bundesstaaten Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi und Enugu (Nigerianische Botschaft in Deutschland, ohne Datum).

Eine Karte der Verwaltungsgliederung Nigerias (Bundesstaaten) ist unter folgendem Link zu finden:

·      CIA – Central Intelligence Agency: Administrative divisions of Nigeria, 2018
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2035020/Nigeria_Administrative.pdf

Laut Encyclopaedia Britannica seien die drei größten ethnischen Gruppen des Landes Hausa-Fulani (im Norden des Landes), Yoruba (im Südwesten) und Igbo [auch Ibo, ACCORD] (im Südosten) (Encyclopaedia Britannica, zuletzt aktualisiert am 7. November 2023).

Im Jahr 1967 habe die vorwiegend von Igbo bewohnte damalige Ostregion ihre Unabhängigkeit unter dem Namen Republik Biafra erklärt. Die Regierung Nigerias habe die Abspaltung nicht anerkannt und der darauffolgende Bürgerkrieg habe 1970 mit der Niederlage Biafras und deren Auflösung als unabhängiger Republik geendet (Encyclopaedia Britannica, zuletzt aktualisiert am 12. Oktober 2023). Laut Crisis24 umfasse die Region Biafra die von Igbo bewohnten heutigen Bunddesstaaten Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, und Rivers [somit alle Bundesstaaten der geopolitischen Zone Süd-Ost und einige Bundesstaaten der geopolitischen Zone Süd-Süd, ACCORD] (Crisis24, 19. September 2023).

Die International Crisis Group (ICG) weist darauf hin, dass es weiterhin separatistische Bewegungen gebe, die für ein unabhängiges Biafra eintreten würden, darunter die IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) unter der Führung von Nnamdi Kanu. Es gebe aber unter den Separatist·innen Uneinigkeit darüber, ob dieses „neue Biafra“ alle von Igbo bewohnten Gebiete einschließen solle, oder nur „Igbo-Kernland“, also die fünf Bundesstaaten der Süd-Ost-Zone, einschließlich Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi und Enugu (ICG, 4. Dezember 2015).

Konflikte zwischen einheimischer Bevölkerung und Fulani-Hirten in Orlu bzw. im Bundesstaat Imo

Mehrere Quellen berichten von teilweise gewalttätigen Konflikten zwischen der einheimischen Bevölkerung und Fulani-Hirten im Südosten Nigerias bzw. im Bundesstaat Imo, einschließlich in Orlu:

John Campell, ehemaliger US-Botschafter in Nigeria, schreibt im Februar 2023 in einem Blog für den Council of Foreign Relations von Konflikten in der Region Biafra zwischen der einheimischen Bevölkerung und Fulani-Hirten aus dem Norden. Viele der vorwiegend christlichen Igbo würden sich von den muslimischen Fulani-Hirten, die mit ihrem Vieh auf der Suche nach besserem Weideland in den Süden wandern würden, bedroht fühlen. Es gebe weitverbreitete Kriminalität, für die die Igbo oft die Fulani verantwortlich machen würden. Viele Einwohner·innen des ehemaligen Biafra würden die Bundesregierung als muslimisch dominiert und als Ermöglicher von Fulani-Gräueltaten sehen (Campbell, 9. Februar 2021). Auch ACLED schreibt in einem Artikel von 2018, dass sich im Zeitraum 2013 bis 2018 die mit Fulani-Milizen bzw. Fulani-Hirten assoziierte Gewalt weiter in den Süden verlagert habe, weist aber gleichzeitig auch auf eine qualitative Veränderung hin: Habe es sich früher vorwiegend um interkommunale Gewalt gehandelt, käme es nun vermehrt zu Konfrontationen mit der Regierung und Angriffen auf die Zivilbevölkerung (ACLED, 5. Oktober 2018).

Die nigerianische NGO Intersociety schreibt in einem – allerdings gemeinsam mit Igbo-Interessensvertretungen verfassten – Bericht im August 2023, dass das Eindringen von bewaffneten, dschihadistischen Fulani-Hirten in „Igbo-Land“ im Jahr 2016 „mit Hilfe und unter dem Schutz“ („aided and protected“) nigerianischer Sicherheitskräfte begonnen habe. Dies sei „unter dem Deckmantel ‚interner Sicherheitsoperationen‘“ geschehen. Seitdem seien mehr als 100 Igbo-Gemeinden, darunter Orlu, beständig Ziel dschihadistischer Angriffe gewesen oder mit solchen Angriffen bedroht worden (Intersociety et al., 28. August 2023, S. 6).

Vanguard berichtet im Juli 2020 über Konflikte zwischen Viehhirten und Bauern in den südöstlichen Bundesstaaten. Die Hirten würden mit ihren Herden in Ackerland eindringen und dabei die Ernte zerstören. In einigen Fällen würden Hirten die Bauern auch angreifen oder töten, wenn diese sie zur Rede stellen würden. Im Bundesstaat Imo hätten nach den Worten des Vorsitzenden des Verbands der South East Town Unions die Hirten „Terror“ in Orlu, Oguta und anderen Orten losgetreten (Vanguard, 1. Juli 2020).

Im Dezember 2020 habe Nnamdi Kanu, der Anführer der separatistischen Bewegung Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), die Gründung des Östlichen Sicherheitsnetzwerks (Eastern Security Network, ESN) verkündet (Sahara Reporters, 13. Dezember 2020). Laut Campbell sei das ESN der paramilitärische Flügel der IPOB (Campbell, 9. Februar 2021). Sahara Reporters zitiert Kanu mit den Worten, das ESN sei die Antwort auf Unsicherheit und „Fulani-Terrorismus“ (Sahara Reporters, 13. Dezember 2020). Die Regierung von Nigeria sei gegen das ESN vorgegangen und im Jänner 2021 sei es in der Stadt Orlu, im Bundessaat Imo, zu heftigen Kämpfen gekommen. Die Kämpfe hätten geendet, als Kanu einen Waffenstillstand ausgerufen habe und verkündet habe, das ESN konzentriere sich auf den Kampf gegen die „Fulani-Plünderer“ (Campbell, 9. Februar 2021; siehe auch Daily Post, 28. Jänner 2021).

Laut eines Vertreters der Regierung des Bundesstaats Imo vom Februar 2023 gebe es keine Fulani-Hirten in Orlu. Man habe Informationen, wonach die IPOB unter dem Vorwand, nach Fulani-Hirten zu suchen, Angriffe auf die Bevölkerung und Regierung von Orlu geplant habe (Channels TV, 19. Februar 2021).

Premium Times zitiert im März 2021 einen Einwohner von Orlu, dass man zwar die Gewalttaten des ESN und ihre Angriffe auf Polizei und Zivilist·innen sehe, aber die Bevölkerung „weine wegen der Bedrohung durch die Fulani-Hirten“ (Premium Times, 20. März 2021).

Andere Quellen berichten von gewalttätigen Vorfällen außerhalb Orlus im Bundesstaat Imo, in die Fulani-Hirten bzw. mutmaßliche Fulani-Hirten involviert gewesen seien, wie zum Beispiel in den Local Government Areas (LGAs)[1] Owerri North (Sahara Reporters, 21. Juli 2020), Okigwe (Vanguard, 12. April 2021) und Egbema (Punch, 17. November 2021; Punch, 25. Juni 2023). Laut Nextier habe man im Bundesstaat Imo 200 Vorfälle zwischen Jänner 2021 und Mai 2023 mit 324 Opfern registriert. Abspaltungsbestrebungen hätten den Konflikt im Bundesstaat meist noch verschärft. Diverse Vorfälle – darunter ein Überfall mutmaßlicher Fulani-Hirten, der zum Tod einer Person geführt habe – würden zeigen, dass der Bundessstaat von den Aktivitäten unbekannter Bewaffneter, mutmaßlicher Hirten, Krimineller und von Entführerbanden heimgesucht sei (Nextier, 31. Mai 2023).

Das Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) der University of Sussex[2] registriert 15 sicherheitsrelevante Vorfälle für den Zeitraum 5. Mai 2019 bis 21. Mai 2023 im Bundesstaat Imo, an denen Fulani-Kämpfer oder mutmaßliche Fulani-Kämpfer beteiligt gewesen seien. ACLED registriert in diesem Zeitraum keine Vorfälle in Orlu, an denen Fulani-Kämpfer oder mutmaßliche Fulani-Kämpfer beteiligt gewesen seien (ACLED, zuletzt aktualisiert am 3. November 2023).

Bewaffnete Auseinandersetzungen bzw. Angriffe im Zusammenhang mit Fulani-Kämpfern in Orlu im 4. Quartal 2022 bzw. im Dezember 2022

In den ACCORD derzeit zur Verfügung stehenden Quellen konnten im Rahmen der zeitlich begrenzten Recherche keine Informationen zu bewaffneten Auseinandersetzungen mit Fulani-Kämpfern bzw. zu Angriffen durch Fulani-Kämpfer im 4. Quartal 2022 in Orlu gefunden werden.

Es konnten keine Informationen zu Angriffen durch Fulani-Kämpfer im Dezember 2022 in Orlu gefunden werden.

Das bedeutet nicht notwendigerweise, dass ein solches Ereignis nicht stattgefunden hat. Gesucht wurde mittels ACLED, ecoi.net, Factiva, AllAfrica und Google nach einer Kombination aus folgenden Suchbegriffen: Orlu, Imo, Bundesstaat, Fulani, Hirten, Viehhirten, Kämpfer, Terrorist, Angriff, Kampf, bewaffnet, Auseinandersetzung, Gewalt, Zusammenstoß für den Zeitraum Oktober bis Dezember 2022.

Tötung eines Politikers im Bundesstaat Imo im Dezember 2022

Die nigerianische Zeitung Punch berichtet am 16. Dezember 2022, dass der Kandidat der Labour Party für die Onuimo Local Government Area in der Versammlung des Bundesstaats Imo, Christopher Elehu (der Bevölkerung auch als „Wasco“ bekannt), von unbekannten Täter·innen erschossen worden sei. Die Täter·innen sollen auch sein Haus in Flammen gesetzt und sein Eigentum, einschließlich seines Motorrads, zerstört haben. Die Täter·innen sollen auch die Häuser anderer Politiker·innen in der Gegend aufgesucht, diese aber nicht zuhause angetroffen haben (Punch, 16. Dezember 2022). Die Polizei habe Ermittlungen aufgenommen (Vanguard, 16. Dezember 2022).

Es konnten keine weiteren Informationen zu diesem Fall gefunden werden.

Quellen: (Zugriff auf alle Quellen am 9. November 2023)

·      ACLED - The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project: Fulani Militias in Nigeria: Declining Violence Not a Sign of Lasting Peace, 5. Oktober 2018
https://acleddata.com/2018/10/05/fulani-militias-in-nigeria-declining-violence-not-a-sign-of-lasting-peace/

·      ACLED - The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project: Nigeria Election Violence Tracker. Situation Summary: 28 November – 12 December 2022, 16. Dezember 2022
https://acleddata.com/2022/12/16/nigeria-election-violence-tracker-situation-summary-28-november-12-december-2022/

·      ACLED - Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project: Datensatz heruntergeladen am 7. November 2023, zuletzt aktualisiert am 3. November 2023
https://acleddata.com/curated-data-files/

·      Campbell, John: Security Deteriorating in Nigeria’s Former “Biafra” [Blog], Council on Foreign Relations (Hg.), 9. Februar 2021
https://www.cfr.org/blog/security-deteriorating-nigerias-former-biafra

·      Channels TV: Imo Govt Defends Joint Military Operation In Orlu, 19. Februar 2021
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/02/19/imo-govt-defends-joint-military-operation-in-orlu/

·      CIA – Central Intelligence Agency: Administrative divisions of Nigeria, 2018
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2035020/Nigeria_Administrative.pdf

·      Crisis24: Nigeria: Biafra separatist activities likely to persist in the southeastern states and Abuja through at least late October /update 13, 19. September 2023
https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2023/09/nigeria-biafra-separatist-activities-likely-to-persist-in-the-southeastern-states-and-abuja-through-at-least-late-october-update-13

·      Daily Post: Orlu: Nnamdi Kanu orders ESN to ceasefire against Army, watchful of Fulani herdsmen, 28. Jänner 2021
https://dailypost.ng/2021/01/28/orlu-nnamdi-kanu-orders-esn-to-ceasefire-against-army-watchful-of-fulani-herdsmen/

·      Encyclopaedia Britannica: Biafra – secessionist state, Nigeria, zuletzt aktualisiert am 12. Oktober 2023
https://www.britannica.com/place/Biafra

·      Encyclopaedia Britannica: Nigeria: People – Ethnic Groups, zuletzt aktualisiert am 7. November 2023
https://www.britannica.com/place/Nigeria

·      ICG - International Crisis Group: Nigeria’s Biafran Separatist Upsurge, 4. Dezember 2015/
https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/west-africa/nigeria/nigeria-s-biafran-separatist-upsurge

·      Intersociety et al.: Who Is Killing Who Outside The Law In Igbo Land?, 28. August 2023
https://intersociety-ng.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Who-Is-Killing-Who-In-Igbo-Land-A-Special-Report-2-1.docx

·      Nation (The): UPDATED: Gunmen bomb Imo INEC headquarters, 12. Dezember 2022
https://thenationonlineng.net/updated-gunmen-bomb-imo-inec-headquarters/

·      Nextier: The Eastern Hotspot, 31. Mai 2023
https://thenextier.com/the-eastern-hotspot/

·      Nigerianische Botschaft in Deutschland: Über Nigeria – Regierung & Politik, ohne Datum
https://nigeriaembassygermany.org/regierung---politik.htm

·      Premium Times: SPECIAL REPORT: How ESN’s attack on Orlu market led to orgy of violence, 20. März 2021
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/investigationspecial-reports/450108-special-report-how-esns-attack-on-orlu-market-led-to-orgy-of-violence.html?tztc=1

·      Punch: Imo community fears severe hunger over herdsmen’s destruction of farmlands, 17 November 2021
https://punchng.com/imo-community-fears-severe-hunger-over-herdsmens-destruction-of-farmlands/

·      Punch: Suspected assassins murder Imo Assembly LP candidate, 16. Dezember 2022
https://punchng.com/breaking-suspected-assassins-murder-imo-assembly-lp-candidate/

·      Punch: Imo community laments as herdsmen destroy farmlands, crops, 25. Juni 2023
https://punchng.com/imo-community-laments-as-herdsmen-destroy-farmlands-crops/

·      Sahara Reporters: Fulani Herdsmen, Vigilantes Clash In Imo, 21. Juli 2020
https://saharareporters.com/2020/07/21/fulani-herdsmen-vigilantes-clash-imo

·      Sahara Reporters: Nnamdi Kanu Launches Eastern Security Network, Says Not Different From Amotekun, Miyetti Allah, 13. Dezember 2020
https://saharareporters.com/2020/12/13/nnamdi-kanu-launches-eastern-security-network-says-not-different-amotekun-miyetti-allah

·      Vanguard: Communities in South-East groan, as herdsmen take over farmlands, 1. Juli 2020
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/07/communities-in-south-east-groan-as-herdsmen-take-over-farmlands/

·      Vanguard: Imo catholic priest freed after one night in kidnappers den, 12. April 2021
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/04/imo-catholic-priest-freed-after-one-night-in-kidnappers-den/

·      Vanguard: Gunmen kill Labour Party candidate in Imo, 16. Dezember 2022
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/12/gunmen-kill-labour-party-candidate-in-imo/

 

Anhang: Quellenbeschreibungen und Informationen aus ausgewählten Quellen

Das Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) erfasst, analysiert und kartiert Informationen zu Krisen und Konflikten in Afrika, Süd- und Südostasien sowie im Nahen Osten und stellt diese in Form von Datensätzen zu Konfliktvorfällen zur Verfügung.

·      ACLED - The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project: Fulani Militias in Nigeria: Declining Violence Not a Sign of Lasting Peace, 5. Oktober 2018
https://acleddata.com/2018/10/05/fulani-militias-in-nigeria-declining-violence-not-a-sign-of-lasting-peace/

„Between 2017 and 2018, the number of violent events involving Fulani militias increased from 26 to 100 in Benue State, from 20 to 69 in Plateau State, from 8 to 43 in Taraba State, and from 1 to 40 in Nassarawa. All of these states are in the country’s ’Middle Belt,’ located in the (sic!) In addition to increased violence in these states, in 2018 violence spread to areas that had not been affected by violent events involving Fulani militias since 2013. The figure below illustrates this southward trend of violence associated with Fulani militias over the past five years. […]

The geographic shift in where violence associated with Fulani militias occurs has been accompanied by a change in targeting patterns. As demonstrated by below, the proportion of violence involving Fulani militias has, since 2013, shifted towards violence against civilians and confrontations with the government and away from intercommunal violence.” (ACLED, 5. Oktober 2018)

·      ACLED - The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project: Nigeria Election Violence Tracker. Situation Summary: 28 November – 12 December 2022, 16. Dezember 2022
https://acleddata.com/2022/12/16/nigeria-election-violence-tracker-situation-summary-28-november-12-december-2022/

„Several attacks on INEC [Independent National Electoral Commission] facilities were reported in the South East region during the reporting period. On 1 December, policemen guarding an INEC office repelled militants attempting to burn an INEC office in Orlu, Imo state. The assailants, suspected to have links with the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra, invaded the area, shot sporadically, and threw an explosive device that damaged the security post of the office, before they were chased by the policemen. This was followed by another arson attack on another INEC office in Oru West, Imo state, by an unidentified armed group on 4 December. The most recent attack was by unknown gunmen. On 12 December, the INEC reported an attack at their headquarters in Owerri, Imo state.” (ACLED, 16. Dezember 2022)

John Campbell wird auf der Seite des Council of Foreign Relations als ehemaliger US-Botschafter in Nigeria und Ralph Bunche Senior Fellow vorgestellt.

·      Campbell, John: Security Deteriorating in Nigeria’s Former “Biafra” [Blog], Council on Foreign Relations (Hg.), 9. Februar 2021
https://www.cfr.org/blog/security-deteriorating-nigerias-former-biafra

„Conflict over land and water, once largely restricted to the Middle Belt, is spreading to the south, where it frequently acquires ethnic and religious overtones. Many Igbo - mostly Christian - believe they are targeted by the Muslim Fulani herdsmen bringing their flocks south in search of better pastures. Criminal activity is widespread and often the Igbo attribute it to the Fulani.

Many residents of the former Biafra are alienated from the federal government and see the Buhari administration as Muslim-dominated and as enabling Fulani atrocities. […]

In December, Kanu announced the establishment of a paramilitary wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), allegedly to protect the Igbo against the Fulani.

For the federal government, a non-state sanctioned, paramilitary organization in the old Biafran heartland was unacceptable, and it moved against ESN camps. In late January 2021, serious fighting broke out in the town of Orlu in Imo State, leading to significant numbers of displaced persons. Fighting stopped when Kanu declared a cease-fire, saying that he was redirecting ESN efforts against ‘Fulani raiders.’” (Campbell, 9. Februar 2021)

Channels TV ist eine 1992 in Nigeria gegründete Nachrichten- und Medienorganisation, die rund um die Uhr Nachrichten bietet und nach eigenen Angaben Büros in fast allen Bundesstaaten Nigerias hat. Die Webseite www.channelstv.com wurde 2000 gegründet.

·      Channels TV: Imo Govt Defends Joint Military Operation In Orlu, 19. Februar 2021
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/02/19/imo-govt-defends-joint-military-operation-in-orlu/

„Briefing journalists on Friday in Owerri, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Cyprian Akaolisa, said the state government invited the military to help intervene and end the criminal activities being perpetrated by suspected members of the eastern security network.

He said intelligence reports revealed that IPOB planned to attack Orlu people and the government under the pretext of looking for Fulani herdsmen. […]

‘The IPOB also shot and killed four Moslems doing their business in Orlu. IPOB said they were looking for herdsmen, but these victims they killed before the crisis.

‘Were they herdsmen? We heard Nnamdi Kanu celebrating the activities of his men in Orlu that they are doing well by killing innocent citizens. There are no Fulani herdsmen in Orlu.‘“ (Channels TV, 19. Februar 2021)

Crisis24, ein Unternehmen von GardaWorld, bietet globale Intelligence-basierte Security Risk Management Services (SRM).

·      Crisis24: Nigeria: Biafra separatist activities likely to persist in the southeastern states and Abuja through at least late October /update 13, 19. September 2023
https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2023/09/nigeria-biafra-separatist-activities-likely-to-persist-in-the-southeastern-states-and-abuja-through-at-least-late-october-update-13

„IPOB [Indigenous People of Biafra] seeks the independence of the southeastern region following the previous attempt at independence by the Republic of Biafra, which sparked a three-year civil war that ended in 1970. Deep divisions remain between Biafra separatists and the central government; the Federal High Court of Abuja labeled the group a terrorist organization in 2017. The so-called Biafra region geographically includes various southeastern states, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers, inhabited by the Igbo people.” (Crisis24, 19. September 2023)

Daily Post ist eine 2011 gegründete nigerianische Tageszeitung mit Sitz in Lagos.

·      Daily Post: Orlu: Nnamdi Kanu orders ESN to ceasefire against Army, watchful of Fulani herdsmen, 28. Jänner 2021
https://dailypost.ng/2021/01/28/orlu-nnamdi-kanu-orders-esn-to-ceasefire-against-army-watchful-of-fulani-herdsmen/

„Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB [Indigenous People of Biafra], has directed the operatives of Eastern Security Network, ESN, to cease fire with military men in Orlu area of Imo State.

A clash between operatives of ESN and soldiers in Orlu area of Imo State had led to a death while scores were injured. However, Kanu said based on the intelligence available, the army and the police had withdrawn their operatives from Orlu.

Against this backdrop, the IPOB leader directed ESN to ceasefire and be vigilant of Fulanis herdsmen. Kanu, in a tweet wrote: ‘Credible intelligence indicates that the army and police reinforcement deployed from Owerri have been ordered to withdraw from Orlu. For this reason, I hereby direct the officers and men of the Eastern Security Network to stand down, while remaining vigilant to any Fulani terrorist activity in Biafra land.’” (Daily Post, 28. Jänner 2021)

Die International Crisis Group (ICG), gegründet 1995 und ansässig in Brüssel, ist eine transnationale, unabhängige Nonprofit-Organisation, die durch feldbasierte Analysen und Fürsprache auf hoher Ebene daran arbeitet, tödliche Konflikte zu vermeiden, mildern oder zu lösen.

·      ICG - International Crisis Group: Nigeria’s Biafran Separatist Upsurge, 4. Dezember 2015/
https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/west-africa/nigeria/nigeria-s-biafran-separatist-upsurge

„Does Biafra exist as a distinct unit in Nigeria today?

No, and the separatists are not clear about how they see the territory of the ‘new Biafra’. Some claim it would include all areas inhabited by people of Ibo descent, including parts of the oil-rich Niger Delta to the south and Benue state to the north, but the other peoples of these regions vehemently oppose inclusion in any new Biafra. Other separatists say a restored Biafra would be limited to the five core Ibo states – Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo – referred to administratively as Nigeria’s ‘South East Zone’.” (ICG, 4. Dezember 2015)

Die International Society for Civil Liberties & Rule of Law (Intersociety) ist eine in Nigeria, in Onitsha, im Bundesstaat Anambra (geopolitische Zone Süd-Ost) ansässige nicht-profitorientierte Organisation, die sich für Menschenrechte, Demokratie und Rechtsstaatlichkeit einsetzt. Nach den auf ihrer Webseite verfügbaren Informationen scheint sie sich schwerpunktmäßig mit der Lage von Christ·innen zu beschäftigen und verfügt nach eigenen Angaben über starke Netzwerke in „Igboland“.

·      Intersociety et al.: Who Is Killing Who Outside The Law In Igbo Land?, 23. August 2023
https://intersociety-ng.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Who-Is-Killing-Who-In-Igbo-Land-A-Special-Report-2-1.docx

„The Nigerian security forces aided and protected Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen incursions into Igbo Land with their AK-47s started in 2016 using the cover of the ‘internal security operations’. Since then, over 100 Igbo communities including those in Okigwe, Ideato North, Oguta, Orlu, Ohaji Egbema, Umunneochi, Ohafia, Isukwuato, Isiala-Ngwa, Awka North, Awka South, Orumba North, Oyi, Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Elele, Uzo-Uwani, Isi-Uzo, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Oji, Awgu, Udi, Nkanu East, Nkanu West, Enugu East, Ezeagu, Ohazara, Afikpo, etc have constantly come under jihadist attacks or threats of same including being threatened with mass killings and destructions by the Fulani Herdsmen and allied others.” (Intersociety et al., 28. August 2023, S. 6)

The Nation ist eine landesweit erscheinende nigerianische Tageszeitung.

·      Nation (The): UPDATED: Gunmen bomb Imo INEC headquarters, 12. Dezember 2022
https://thenationonlineng.net/updated-gunmen-bomb-imo-inec-headquarters/

„Heavily armed hoodlums on Monday bombed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters along Owerri Port Harcourt road in Imo State, killing two policemen.

The gunmen threw grenades through the commission’s fence, destroying several offices and vehicles parked within the premises.

However, the police stationed at the INEC office engaged the gunmen in a heavy shootout, leaving three of the gunmen wearing charms and Biafra camouflages dead.” (The Nation, 12. Dezember 2022)

Nextier beschreibt sich selbst als ein seit 2011 in Nigeria tätiges Unternehmen, das sich auf die Lösung komplexer Entwicklungsprobleme spezialisiert hat.

·      Nextier: The Eastern Hotspot, 31. Mai 2023
https://thenextier.com/the-eastern-hotspot/

„Between January 2021 and May 2023, 200 incidents resulting in 324 casualties have been recorded in Imo state, according to the Nextier Violent Conflict Database. Secessionist agitations have mostly exacerbated the conflict in the state. A recent incident in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo state recorded an invasion of suspected Fulani herdsmen, leading to a motorcyclist’s death. Before this, there have been other incidents, such as the murder of the president of the customary court. Security operatives have not been spared from the onslaught of violence as crime has grown exponentially. Soldiers and police officers have been killed in large numbers, and several police stations around the state have been set ablaze. Attacks on security operatives have not only been brazen but have become frequent. Thus, these incidents indicate that the activities of unknown gunmen, suspected herdsmen, thugs, and kidnapping gangs plague the state. When aggregated with incidents in other regions, Imo state is the most affected by violence in the Southeast, according to the Nextier Violent Conflict Database.” (Nextier, 31. Mai 2023)

Premium Times ist eine 2011 gegründete Medienorganisation mit Sitz in Abuja.

·      Premium Times: SPECIAL REPORT: How ESN’s attack on Orlu market led to orgy of violence, 20. März 2021
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/investigationspecial-reports/450108-special-report-how-esns-attack-on-orlu-market-led-to-orgy-of-violence.html?tztc=1

„’We perceive their violent activities,’ said Aloysius, an Orlu resident, who asked for his full name not to be used in this report over concern of being attacked by IPOB [Indigenous People of Biafra] loyalists, referring to IPOB-ESN [Eastern Security Network] and highlighting their ‘strikes’ targeting police and civilians. ‘But our people are crying over the menace of the Fulani herdsmen and the South-east has been politically marginalised.’“ (Premium Times, 20. März 2021)

Punch ist nach eigenen Angaben eine täglich erscheinende Boulevardzeitung.

·      Punch: Imo community fears severe hunger over herdsmen’s destruction of farmlands, 17 November 2021
https://punchng.com/imo-community-fears-severe-hunger-over-herdsmens-destruction-of-farmlands/

„Scores of farmers in Umuepe kindred, Obosa- Assa in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State have protested against the alleged invasion and destruction of their farmlands by Fulani herdsmen.

The farmers, who spoke to our correspondent, said the menace of the Fulani herdsmen in their community had destroyed their crops and other farm produce. According to the enraged farmers, all efforts they had made to make the Fulani herdsmen stop invading their farmlands had proved abortive.

One of the victims, Clement Onuma, said, ‘Fulani herdsmen has dealt with us in this community. Their continuous invasion of our farmlands with their herds is causing a lot of problem for us. As I speak to you, hunger is imminent in our community because they have continued to invade our farmlands.’” (Punch, 17. November 2021)

·      Punch: Suspected assassins murder Imo Assembly LP candidate, 16. Dezember 2022
https://punchng.com/breaking-suspected-assassins-murder-imo-assembly-lp-candidate/

„Gunmen suspected to be hired assassins on Friday killed the Labour Party candidate for Onuimo Local Government Area in the Imo State House of Assembly, Christopher Elehu.

Apart from killing him, the gunmen also set his country home ablaze and destroyed his property including a motorcycle.

Our correspondent gathered that the suspects struck in the early hours of Friday and shot for over two hours.

It was gathered that the gunmen, who were on rampage, also visited the houses of other politicians in the area but met their absences.

A source who doesn’t want to be mentioned said, ‘They have killed Christopher Elehu, popularly known as Wasco. Until his death he was the Labour Party candidate in Onuimo Local Government Area. They invaded his house when everybody had gone to sleep and shot for over two hours.

They killed the man and burnt his house. They also destroyed his property. His corpse was laying on the floor with matchet cuts when villagers gathered in the morning.’

The killing of the politician came just ten days after the LP candidate in a sister LGA, Okigwe, Chukwunonye Irouno, died suddenly.” (Punch, 16. Dezember 2022)

·      Punch: Imo community laments as herdsmen destroy farmlands, crops, 25. Juni 2023
https://punchng.com/imo-community-laments-as-herdsmen-destroy-farmlands-crops/

„The people of Obosa Assa community in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State have decried the continued occupation and destruction of their farmland and crops by Fulani herdsmen. […]

The Chairman of Obosa Assa Community Security Committee, Monday Oparaji, a retired police officer, said the herders had increased tension in the community with their continuous occupation of their farmland. […]

Another resident, Pastor Reuben Opara, said their wives and daughters no longer go to farm because of the fear of being raped. He added that the herders had been acting with so much impunity and scaring the people with their guns and other weapons.

The community leader said, ‘We are calling on the state government and security agencies to come to our rescue. Our people are predominantly farmers but the ugly thing is that we no longer go to our farms because of the annoying occupation of our farmland and the destruction of our crops by the rampaging Fulani herdsmen.

‘Since March, the herdsmen have been occupying our farmland, harassing and maiming people. They have also been raping our women and daughters. They have been feeding their cattle with our crops. As a result, hunger has come upon us because we are farmers. Nobody is ready to go to farm because of the fear of the herders who have taken over our farmland.’” (Punch, 25. Juni 2023)

Sahara Reporters beschreibt sich selbst als eine Nachrichtenplattform von internationalen Journalist·innen und Lobbyisten für soziale Themen, die Nachrichten aus einer nigerianisch-afrikanischen Perspektive bieten möchte. Der Sitz der Plattform ist in New York.

·      Sahara Reporters: Fulani Herdsmen, Vigilantes Clash In Imo, 21. Juli 2020
https://saharareporters.com/2020/07/21/fulani-herdsmen-vigilantes-clash-imo

„The people of Owaelu, Orji in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State were thrown into a state of unrest on Monday night as Fulani herdsmen and vigilantes from the community clashed.

Though no casualty was recorded, a resident of the community disclosed that the incident, which occurred around 9:30pm, witnessed a gun duel between the two parties.” (Sahara Reporters, 21. Juli 2020)

·      Sahara Reporters: Nnamdi Kanu Launches Eastern Security Network, Says Not Different From Amotekun, Miyetti Allah, 13. Dezember 2020
https://saharareporters.com/2020/12/13/nnamdi-kanu-launches-eastern-security-network-says-not-different-amotekun-miyetti-allah

„According to Kanu, during a live Facebook post, ESN [Eastern Security Network] was established to defend the people of the Eastern Region from terrorists and bandits allegedly trooping in from the North.

The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has announced the launch of the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

According to Kanu, during a live Facebook post, ESN was established to defend the people of the Eastern Region from terrorists and bandits allegedly trooping in from the North.

‘Unveiling the Eastern Security Network. This Is our answer to insecurity and Fulani terrorism,’ Kano wrote on Facebook.” (Sahara Reporters, 13. Dezember 2020)

Vanguard ist eine nigerianische Tageszeitung.

·      Vanguard: Communities in South-East groan, as herdsmen take over farmlands, 1. Juli 2020
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/07/communities-in-south-east-groan-as-herdsmen-take-over-farmlands/

„The destructive activities of rogue herdsmen on farms in communities in Igbo land are becoming worrisome and frightening.

They, with hordes of cattle, have been invading farmlands with reckless abandon and making a mess of the crops which the poor village farmers toiled to put in place. Sadly, in some cases, these killer herdsmen even violently attack and kill the farmers if they have the gut to question them. […]

Just recently, the association South East Town Unions, ASETU, who actually operate from the rural communities where the evil acts are committed, raised alarm over the rise in the destructive activities of the herdsmen. The President-General of the association, Chief Emeka Diwe lamented what the rural farmers are going through in the hands of these herdsmen. […]

‘In Imo State, herdsmen have unleashed terror in Oguta, Ohaji-Egbema and Orlu as well as other parts of Igbo land. And recently, the killing of Ozoemena Iriaka from Umuekpu in Agwa community in the same Oguta council area was added in the list of casualties of these murderous herdsmen.’” (Vanguard, 1. Juli 2020)

·      Vanguard: Imo catholic priest freed after one night in kidnappers den, 12. April 2021
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/04/imo-catholic-priest-freed-after-one-night-in-kidnappers-den/

„The Catholic Priest and lecturer with the Imo State University, IMSU, Reverend Father Izu Marcel Onyeocha, who was kidnapped last Sunday has been freed by his captors.

Vanguard in Owerri, learnt that Reverend Father Onyeocha was freed early hours of Monday, after spending a night in the den of his kidnappers. […]

Also, the police had earlier reacted saying: ‘On the 11/04/21, one Bissong Isa Atugu ‘m’, reported that on the 10/03/21, at about 7:45 pm, while driving from Enugu to Owerri with a Nissan Exterra SUV, in company of one REV. FR. Marcel Izu Onyeocha of Mother Theresa of Golgotha Catholic Church, World Bank Owerri, the vehicle developed fault around Ihube in Okigwe LGA, and as they step down to check the vehicle, a group of people believed to be Fulani herdsmen emerged from the bush and inflicted matchet cut injuries on him, while the priest was kidnapped and taken to unknown destination.” (Vanguard, 12. April 2021)

·      Vanguard: Gunmen kill Labour Party candidate in Imo, 16. Dezember 2022
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/12/gunmen-kill-labour-party-candidate-in-imo/

„Reacting, the Imo state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Micheal Abattam, said: ‘It is under investigation and the command has sent our men to the area for surveillance and patrol.’” (Vanguard, 16. Dezember 2022)

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