Amnesty International has indicted the Nigerian military of torturing and dehumanizing Nigerians suspected to be Boko Haram members; the indictment did not go down well with the Military and President of Nigeria as he declared that the government will investigate the allegation. The allegation which was internationally publicized was detrimental to the image of the nation. Indeed, it is unthinkable for Amnesty International to expose activities of the military in the aspect of eradicating and preventing the heinous crimes of Boko Haram.
This, one wonders what Amnesty International is doing to reveal deadly and life threatening activities of Boko Haram. So many villages have been razed down and deserted as a result of the activities of Boko Haram. It is disturbing to observe the quietness of Amnesty International in exposing and condemning the activities of Boko Hararn. Inspite of the volume of deadly and criminal activities of the sect at the public domain. It is ridiculous to only see the inhumane treat from the angle of the Military.
Today suicide bombing is common in Nigeria. It is worthy to note that not quite up to five years existence of Boko Haram in Nigeria, female suicide bombers are beyond control as they detonate bombs without care for human life. The bombing of churches, Market, Mosques and public gathering is never an action suitable for condemnation. The incessant attacks on Nigerians every day is never a violation of human right by Boko Haram. I3oko Haram is forcefully taking wives from husbands without any provocation. Boko Haram sect is recruiting under age boys without their consent. Boko Haram is killing Nigerians who do not want to support its activities.
Indeed, few days ago in Jos 45 people were bombed to death and hundreds critically injured. Does Boko Haram treat human beings captured with dignity? The aggressive spread of Boko Haram attack in Nigeria is questionable. Nigerian today can not traverse the North-East with ease and safety.
For instance, the one year national assignment of the federal government through the NYSC is under threat. This is because corpers have
become their prime target. Is it that evil should be celebrated to avoid being attacked. Boko Haram is committing atrocities against humanity. If Boko Haram could have the gut or temerity to challenge the military, what is the hope of the armless of Nigerians? Does it mean that Amnesty international is happy to see Nigerians being slaughtered daily? Does it mean that the revered international organization does not notice the conflagration of the sect in Nigeria?
Today, Nigerians are weary of the activities of military against the sect. North-East of Nigeria is not a safe haven again because of Boko Haram. When concerned Nigerians are looking for concerted effort to stop terrific and horrific actions of the sect, that is the time Amnesty International is diverting attention from the evil of the sect to military contending the excesses of the sect. Time has come for Amnesty international to support Nigerian government and the military and in the same vein, condemn the activities of Boko Haram.
Amnesty International, as a matter of urgent issue, should use the world press and expose the pogrom taking in the North-East. It is no longer news that Boko Haram is an affiliate to some terrorist organizations; indeed it is right to let the world know that Boko Haram is violating the fundamental human right of Nigerians. The violation of freedom of association, movement and right to life is at stake because of Boko Haram. Amnesty international should help Nigerian military to win the war over the sect instead of accusing the military with its strategy. ###
FRANK ENEAWAJI OGWUONUONU
08028901682
