Possible crimes against humanity in Nigeria – HRW
The report, which is based on field research between July 2010 and July 2012, details allegations of systematic murder and persecution by the Islamist militia Boko Haram, as well as numerous abuses such as extrajudicial killings by government security forces.
Boko Haram, which translates as ‘Western education is a sin’, want to impose strict Sharia law in northern Nigeria, and focus their attacks on police, government security agents and Christians as well as Muslims accused of cooperating with the government.
HRW claims that poverty, corruption, police abuse and impunity has made Nigeria an ideal breeding ground for violent militancy.
Africa director at HRW, Daniel Bekele said,
“The unlawful killing by both Boko Haram and Nigerian security forces only grows worse; both sides need to halt this downward spiral. Nigeria’s government should swiftly bring to justice the Boko Haram members and security agents who have committed these serious crimes.”