Owerri, Imo – Amnesty International Nigeria has accused Nigerian authorities of failing to address a deepening security crisis in the country’s South-East region, where at least 1,844 people have been killed between January 2021 and June 2023.

The human rights organization’s report released on Thursday, paints a grim picture of impunity and widespread human rights violations perpetrated by both state and non-state actors.

The statement, underscores a "free-for-all reign of impunity" in the region, where gunmen, separatist groups, and security forces have contributed to a cycle of violence.

The report detailed the killing of over 400 people in Imo State between January 2019 and December 2021, with attackers operating openly and targeting residents, police stations, and vigilante offices. These raids have sparked reprisal attacks, further escalating the death toll and injuring thousands.

The South-East, home to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), an outlawed separatist movement advocating for independence, has been a hotspot of conflict.

Amnesty’s findings align with earlier reports, including a 2025 JURIST article from August 14, which criticized the government’s ineffective response to the crisis.

The violence involves not only IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), but also "unknown gunmen," cult groups, and state-backed paramilitary units like Ebube Agu, according to a detailed Amnesty report published on August 13, 2025.

Recent incidents, such as the May 8, 2025, attack along the Okigwe-Owerri Road in Imo State where at least 30 people were killed and over 20 vehicles burned highlight the ongoing threat. Amnesty condemned the attack as a "callous disregard for the sanctity of life," with Imo State police confirming a response but offering limited details on the casualty count.

The insecurity has disrupted traditional customs and fundamental rights, including freedom of movement and physical safety. Thousands of residents remain displaced, fearing retaliation or abduction by armed groups.

A 2015 Amnesty report had previously documented excessive force by security forces against IPOB supporters, a trend that appears to have persisted. The organization’s latest call urges Nigerian authorities to uphold international human rights obligations and end the violence.

Despite the severity of the crisis, the Nigerian government’s response has been deemed inadequate.

Clashes between farmers and herders, alongside separatist activities, have compounded the humanitarian toll, with over 3,322 individuals on death row as of May 2023 for crimes like kidnapping, according to Amnesty’s records.

Critics argue that the reliance on the death penalty as a deterrent has failed to curb the violence.

As the situation deteriorates, international pressure is mounting on Nigerian leaders to implement effective security measures and address the root causes of the conflict.

Amnesty International’s latest statements serve as a wake-up call, demanding accountability and protection for the region’s vulnerable population.