The National Human Rights Commission has requested the support and cooperation of Borno state government to the Special Independent Investigative Panel set up to investigate human rights violations in the North East.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr Tony Ojukwu made the request when members of the panel alongside officials of the commission paid a courtesy call to Borno state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur at the Government House, Maiduguri.
According to him, the Investigative Panel was set up to investigate a three part report of an International news Agency Reuters in December 2022 alleging series of gross violations of human rights laws by the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Mr Ojukwu further informed the Deputy Governor that the Panel have the mandate of investigating allegations contained in the Reuters report and make recommendations on culpability and on integrating human rights into counter- insurgency operations in the North East.
He also requested access to government hospitals mentioned in the report and provision of other support that will facilitate their work.” Provision of support and facilitation of access to all communities mentioned in the report for investigation and gathering of evidence among others, ” Mr Ojukwu said.
Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur appreciated the investigative Panel for the visit and assured that the state government would support the Panel to achieve its mandate.
While, the Shehu of Borno Alhaji Abubakar El-Kanemi has earlier applauded the Federal Government for setting up the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in the Counter insurgency Operations in the North East.
The Traditional Ruler gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by the members of the panel to his palace.
The Royal Father said the Emirate was worried about the Reuters’ report, noted that it was capable of distracting the military from carrying out their operations which according to him have brought relative peace to Borno state and the North East region in general.
The Monarch said atrocious crimes and grave human rights violations became minimal with the massive deployment of troops, emphasizing that he would be highly surprised if the panel finds the military guilty of unprofessional conduct and human rights violations.
Reporting by Tanimu Salihu; Editing by Fany Olumoye, Julian Osamoto & Adeniyi Bakare