Amnesty International has called for immediate probe into the circumstances surrounding the hundreds of unidentified bodies being moved from mortuaries in Imo State to unknown destinations in a questionable manners.
The human rights group also wondered why the movement of the bodies is being shrouded in secrecy, insisting that the cause of their death must be established, why the body were being moved and where they were being moved to.
In a statement on Saturday, shared on its social media handles, the human rights organisation said it was “deeply concerned” by reports that hundreds of unidentified bodies were being removed from mortuaries including the Ngor Okpala General Hospital, while bodies had also reportedly been seen at the Mbieri General Hospital.
Amnesty International said the authorities must urgently clarify the circumstances surrounding the bodies and their movement, including where the remains were being taken and why they were being moved.
The organisation said it had obtained “horrifying videos” showing stages of the movement of the dead bodies at night. According to Amnesty International, the majority of the bodies were at skeletal level and were found in large numbers.
The development has raised concerns over the identities and causes of death of the deceased, particularly amid allegations that some of the bodies could be linked to unlawful killings during security operations in Imo State.
Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, called on the Imo State Government and relevant authorities to immediately account for all the bodies and ensure that their identities and causes of death are established.
“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,” Sanusi said.
He further called for an independent investigation into allegations that some of the deceased may have been victims of unlawful killings during security operations in the state.
“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,” Sanusi said.
Amnesty International also urged the authorities to ensure that all the bodies are properly identified and subjected to appropriate forensic examinations, including autopsies where necessary.
The organisation said families of the deceased must be promptly informed and provided with information concerning their relatives.
It also warned against any action that could compromise evidence needed to establish the identities and circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“No body or evidence should be concealed, destroyed, disposed of or otherwise interfered with,” the organisation said, stressing that anyone suspected of criminal responsibility for unlawful killings or other human rights violations must be investigated.
Amnesty International further called for prosecution of suspects where there is sufficient admissible evidence, insisting that such proceedings must be fair.
The organisation said the reported movement of the bodies required urgent attention from the authorities, particularly to prevent the destruction, concealment or loss of evidence that could be critical to any investigation.
“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,” Sanusi said.
The organisation’s call comes amid heightened concerns over unresolved cases involving deaths and disappearances in parts of Imo State.
Amnesty International urged the relevant authorities to preserve all mortuary, medical and other records connected to the bodies and ensure that any investigation into the matter is independent, impartial and capable of establishing the truth about the identities, deaths and eventual movement of the remains.
