With the killing of no fewer than 60 people and 100 houses burnt, Amnesty International, AI, has described the January 28 attack on Rann, Borno State, by Boko Haram terrorists as deadliest.
The organisation said with the analysis of satellite imagery, it was obvious that several structures were destroyed.
It described the action of the terrorists as a war crime and declared that those behind it should be brought to book.
Said the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Osai Ojigho: “We have now confirmed that this week’s attack on Rann was the deadliest yet by Boko Haram, killing at least 60 people.
“Using satellite imagery, we have also been able to confirm the mass burning of structures as Boko Haram unleashed a massive assault on Rann, most of which is now destroyed.
“This attack on civilians who have already been displaced by the bloody conflict may amount to possible war crime, and those responsible must be brought to justice. Disturbingly, witnesses told us that Nigerian soldiers abandoned their posts the day before the attack, demonstrating the authorities’ utter failure to protect civilians.”
The organisation added that the alleged withdrawal of troops in the area led to the movement of civilians to Cameroon as they were afraid that the terrorists might take over the area.
“Alleged withdrawal of troops triggered a massive exodus of civilians to Cameroon, as fear spread that Boko Haram would take advantage and attack the town. At around 9am on 28 January, a group of Boko Haram fighters arrived on motorcycles.
“They set houses ablaze and killed those left behind. They also chased after those who attempted to escape and killed some people outside the town. Eleven bodies were found within Rann town, and 49 bodies were found outside,” AI said.
