Amnesty International says at least 1,844 people were killed in Nigeria’s south-east between January 2021 and June 2023. The organisation reported widespread abductions, mob violence, electoral killings, and frequent attacks by armed groups, with the violence continuing beyond the review period.
The rights group described the crisis as a mix of political and criminal violence, manipulated by both state and non-state actors. It warned against reducing the insecurity to the actions of IPOB or its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, noting that other groups referred to as “unknown gunmen” are also responsible.
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Amnesty said these gunmen often operate from forests in states such as Imo, Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi, carrying out raids, clashing with herders, and targeting security forces. The organisation also documented cult-related killings in Anambra linked to the drug trade.
The group condemned the sit-at-home orders enforced by IPOB, saying they have led to rights violations including restrictions on movement, education, and access to services. Amnesty noted that unchecked violence has fuelled fear, deepened insecurity, and eroded trust in state institutions.
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