The National Human
Rights Commission (NHRC) has cautioned the Military and other security agencies
over its on-going invasion of parts of South East and South South geo-political
zones of the country under an operation tagged: ‘Python Dance II’.
The Commission warned
them “to desist from acts capable of causing tension, public disturbance, fear
and sense of insecurity”.
In a statement signed
by its Acting Executive Secretary, Oti Ovrawah, the Commission tasked the
Nigerian Army on rules of engagement; saying instead of heightening the fear of
insecurity, it should “rather ensure the respect of the fundamental rights of
all citizens”.
The statement also said
the Commission was disturbed by media reports on allegations by the Indigenous
People of Biafra, IPOB, and Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abia state
chapter, that Nigerian Soldiers on Operation Python Dance II, attacked them,
“amidst other claims of human rights violations”.
“The Commission will
collaborate with the Nigerian Police and other relevant authorities to ensure a
timely and thorough investigation into the allegations with a view to ensuring
that informed decisions are made and appropriate steps taken to have culprits
punished and victims redressed in accordance with the law”.
“Meanwhile, the
Commission commends the government of Abia state for the steps taken so far to
remove fear and forestall further breakdown of law and order saying that it is
important to reinforce people’s confidence in the ability of the government to
protect them without violation of their rights”.
“We call on the
Nigerian military to leverage on the series of training the Commission has
offered them on mainstreaming human rights into their operations especially
with the emerging human rights challenges, adding that they are expected to
carry out their duties according to international best practices,” the
statement reads.
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