House to investigate IPOB, MASSOB killings

The House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Human Rights, National Security and Intelligence to investigate alleged killing of protesting members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) by security personnel.

This was subsequent to the adoption of a motion raised under matters of urgent public importance, sponsored by Deputy House Minority Leader, Chukwuka Onyema (PDP-Anambra).

The House also observed a moment  silence in honour of the dead.

On Tuesday, May 31, IPOB and MASSOB members staged protests in Anambra, Rivers, Delta and Abia states, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Biafra. But, the protests turned bloody as protesters clashed with members of the security personnel leading to the death of some protesters and policemen. The House condemned what it described as an increase in the spate of extra judicial killings by security agencies in Nigeria, noting that the rule of law and respect for rights of citizens are cardinal ingredients for the survival of democracy.

The committees have two weeks to report back to the House for further legislative action. – The Sun.