Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over reports alleging that hundreds of unidentified corpses were being moved from mortuaries in Imo State, insisting that Nigerian authorities must account for the bodies.
The human rights body stated this on Saturday in a post on X.
It said the mortuaries from where the bodies were being moved to unknown destinations included that of Ngor Okpala General Hospital.
“Bodies have also reportedly been seen at Mbieri General Hospital,” Amnesty International said, calling on Nigerian authorities to “urgently clarify the circumstances surrounding the bodies and their movement.”
Painting a gory picture of the movement of the corpses, Amnesty International said it obtained horrifying videos that showed stages of moving the dead bodies at night.
It also said that majority of the bodies were at skeletal level and in large numbers.
“Imo State Government and relevant authorities must to 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 and where they are now being taken.
“All bodies, mortuary records, medical records and other relevant evidence must be preserved to prevent interference with any investigation,” said Isa Sanusi Director Amnesty International Nigeria.
“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,” said Isa Sanusi
Amnesty International further called on Nigerian authorities to ensure that the bodies are properly identified and subjected to appropriate forensic examinations, including autopsies where necessary, and that families are promptly informed and given information about their relatives.
Stating that no body or evidence should be concealed, destroyed, disposed of or otherwise interfered with, the human rights agency said anyone suspected of criminal responsibility for unlawful killings or other human rights violations must be investigated and, where there is sufficient admissible evidence, prosecuted in fair proceedings.
“The families of those who died or disappeared have a right to know what happened to their loved ones.
“The authorities must act urgently to establish the truth, preserve evidence and ensure justice and accountability,” Amnesty International said.
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