Imo: Authorities Must Account for Hundreds of Unidentified Bodies

 Imo: Authorities Must Account for Hundreds of Unidentified Bodies Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over reports that hundre...

 Imo: Authorities Must Account for Hundreds of Unidentified Bodies

Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over reports that hundreds of unidentified bodies are being moved from mortuaries in Imo State, Nigeria, to unknown destinations. The bodies have reportedly been transferred from facilities including Ngor Okpala General Hospital, with additional remains observed at Mbieri General Hospital.

Horrifying videos obtained by the organisation show coordinated operations to move the bodies at night. The majority of the remains appear skeletal and are present in large numbers.

Amnesty International has called on the Imo State Government and relevant authorities to urgently clarify the circumstances surrounding the bodies and their movement. The organisation demands that officials immediately account for all the bodies, establish their identities and causes of death, and explain when, where and how they came to be in the mortuaries, as well as their current destinations.

All bodies, mortuary records, medical records and other relevant evidence must be preserved to prevent any interference with investigations. Allegations that some of the deceased may have been victims of unlawful killings during security operations in Imo State must be promptly, independently and impartially investigated.

Authorities must ensure the bodies are properly identified and subjected to appropriate forensic examinations, including autopsies where necessary. Families should be promptly informed and provided with information about their relatives.

No body or evidence should be concealed, destroyed, disposed of or otherwise interfered with. Anyone suspected of criminal responsibility for unlawful killings or other human rights violations must be investigated and, where sufficient admissible evidence exists, prosecuted in fair proceedings.

The families of those who died or disappeared have a right to know what happened to their loved ones. Amnesty International urged the authorities to act urgently to establish the truth, preserve evidence and ensure justice and accountability.

Family Writers Press International Reporting