Boko Haram: Mubi attack deplorable, deadliest on civilians since 2017 – AI

…Says terrorist group must be held to account for atrocities against humanity

Amnesty International Nigeria, AI, has condemned the terror attack at a mosque in Adamawa state by the Islamist Boko Haram sect which left over 50 persons dead and several others seriously wounded, describing it as both deplorable and the deadliest since the start of 2017.

In a statement made available to newsmen by its Media Manager, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International however said the terrorist sect must be held to account for all the atrocities it has committed against humanit.

According to the statement, “Responding to an early morning suicide attack at a mosque that killed at least 50 people in Mubi, northeast Nigeria, Osai Ojigho, director of Amnesty International Nigeria, said:

“Today’s attack appears to be yet another example of Boko Haram’s continued unlawful disregard for human life.

“Boko Haram must immediately stop the targeting of civilians and must be held accountable for all the atrocities it has committed, including the use of children for suicide missions.”

“Nigerian police have confirmed to us that 50 people have been confirmed dead so far following the early morning suicide attack at the mosque in Mubi in Adamawa State.

“This is the deadliest attack on civilians by the militant group since the start of the year. It is deplorable that the attack was launched at a time when civilians were congregating for dawn prayers.

“It happened only days after the reported abduction and beheading of six farmers in Dimge village in Mafa local government area, Borno state.

AI also said that “Since 2010 Amnesty International has been documenting human rights abuses and serious violations of international humanitarian law by Boko Haram that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

“This year Boko Haram has killed 357 civilians during 55 attacks in northeastern Nigeria. The deadliest month was in August, when the militant group killed 100 people, followed by November, with 76 people killed already,” said Amnesty International Nigeria country director, Osai Ojigho.

“While no group has claimed responsibility for this today’s deadly attack, it bears all the hallmarks of the Boko Haram atrocities documented over the years by Amnesty International. This wanton and deliberate targeting of civilians must end.

“All parties to the ongoing conflict in northeast Nigeria, including Boko Haram, are bound by the rules of international humanitarian law, which explicitly prohibits any direct attacks against civilians and civilian objects.”