Rights Groups and CSOs Demand Independent Investigation into Alleged Disappearances, Torture, and Custodial Deaths in South-East

Following years of allegations of human rights abuses by security agencies in the South-east, a coalition of human rights groups and civil society organizations (CSOs) have demanded an independent investigation into the alleged disappearances, torture, and custodial deaths of citizens. According to THISDAYLIVE, the groups, including Amnesty International and the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (ISCLRL), say the Federal Government and security agencies must be held accountable for these allegations. The groups have specifically pointed to the Operation Python Dance II, a military exercise carried out in 2017, as a time when many of these abuses occurred. The demand for an independent investigation comes as the South-east continues to grapple with insecurity and a resurgence of separatist movements, with some accusing the security agencies of heavy-handed tactics that have led to human rights abuses. This latest call for action is a reminder of the urgent need for accountability and justice for the citizens of the South-east.