At least 30 people were killed in a deadly ambush by gunmen on Thursday along a major highway in southeastern Nigeria, according to Amnesty International. The rights group reported that more than 20 vehicles and trucks were set ablaze in the attack, which occurred on the Okigwe-Owerri highway in Imo State.
While police confirmed the incident, they have not officially verified the death toll. One suspect was killed in a joint security operation following the attack, and an intensive manhunt is underway to apprehend other suspects, police spokesperson Okoye Henry said in a statement.
Although no group has claimed responsibility, police suspect the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)—a separatist organization banned by the Nigerian government. IPOB has long advocated for the secession of the southeastern region, a movement that traces its roots back to the Biafran War (1967–1970), which resulted in the deaths of an estimated one million people, largely from starvation.
Amnesty International urged Nigerian authorities to conduct a prompt and transparent investigation. “International law requires the Nigerian government to promptly investigate unlawful killings with a view to bringing perpetrators to justice,” the group stated.
Two high-profile leaders of the separatist movement remain in custody: Nnamdi Kanu, currently on trial in Nigeria on terrorism and treason-related charges, and Simon Ekpa, who is based in Finland. Kanu has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The Nigerian government confirmed it is in discussions with Finnish authorities regarding Ekpa but has not initiated formal extradition proceedings.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with over 210 million people, continues to grapple with multiple security crises, including violence by separatist groups, jihadist insurgencies in the northeast, and intercommunal clashes in central regions.
Nigerian Army Snipers Picture by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa | For Illustration Purpose
