Nigerian Soldiers Accused of Torturing Civilians and Burning Homes
Nigerian soldiers reportedly torched homes and tortured civilians in Shiroro Local Government Area while pursuing bandits. The incident, which disrupted a local wedding ceremony, has heightened concerns about food security and civilian safety amid ongoing military operations against banditry. There have been recurring instances of violence against civilians by military forces, leading to calls for investigations into these alleged abuses.
A recent report indicates that Nigerian soldiers operating in the town of Erena, Shiroro Local Government Area, torched homes belonging to innocent villagers instead of targeting the notorious bandit Dogo Gide. Residents recounted that during a military operation aimed at clamping down on banditry, they suffered brutal treatment, including torture, which exacerbated the already dire hunger crisis in the region. Witnesses noted that approximately 20 homes in Sabon Gida were destroyed during the troop’s aggressive advance, with heavy indications that the villagers suffered undue violence while soldiers sought information on bandit locations.
The operation disrupted a local wedding in Makera, where soldiers reportedly demanded information on bandits while physically assaulting attendees. Many villagers, including an imam, were beaten, and several phones were confiscated. One attendee even fainted from the beating, reflecting the harsh nature of the military’s approach to finding bandits. The soldiers criticized villagers for allegedly paying ransoms to bandits, suggesting that they should instead invest in arms for self-defense.
Following the abuse at the wedding, soldiers proceeded to Chukuba and fired indiscriminately before demolishing over 20 residences in Sabon Gida. Furthermore, food supplies, including maize and yam, were set ablaze, leaving the villagers in an even more precarious situation, heightening fears of famine as agricultural activities remain derailed by ongoing bandit attacks. Local leadership has expressed immediate concerns about the community’s future without assistance.
Moreover, incidents of violence by military forces against civilians are not unique to this occasion, as past military operations have also led to significant civilian casualties. There have been reports of airstrikes targeting terrorists that inadvertently killed civilians, highlighting the ongoing tension between law enforcement efforts and civilian safety in regions plagued by banditry. Despite this, there has been little governmental accountability or inquiry into these violent military actions, thereby eroding public trust.
In response to this latest incident, the Niger State Director for the International Human Rights Commission has pledged to initiate an independent investigation to seek justice for those affected. The Nigerian security forces continue to face scrutiny from international bodies, with the International Criminal Court investigating allegations of human rights violations within conflict zones such as Niger State. The Nigerian government has appealed to halt these inquiries, claiming that they undermine military morale.
The situation in Niger State entails severe repercussions for civilian populations due to military actions against suspected bandit activity. Despite efforts to combat banditry, local communities suffer from violence and exploitation by the very forces meant to protect them. Further investigations into military conduct are essential to foster accountability and ensure the protection of human rights in the region.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
