Human Rights Commission Cautions Military Over Operation Python Dance

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has cautioned the Military and other security agencies over its on-going invasion of parts of South East and South South geo-political zones of the country under an operation tagged: ‘Python Dance II'.

The Commission warned them “to desist from acts capable of causing tension, public disturbance, fear and sense of insecurity”.

In a statement signed by its Acting Executive Secretary, Oti Ovrawah, the Commission tasked the Nigerian Army on rules of engagement; saying instead of heightening the fear of insecurity, it should “rather ensure the respect of the fundamental rights of all citizens”.

The statement also said the Commission was disturbed by media reports on allegations by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abia state chapter, that Nigerian Soldiers on Operation Python Dance II, attacked them, “amidst other claims of human rights violations”.

“The Commission will collaborate with the Nigerian Police and other relevant authorities to ensure a timely and thorough investigation into the allegations with a view to ensuring that informed decisions are made and appropriate steps taken to have culprits punished and victims redressed in accordance with the law.

“Meanwhile, the Commission commends the government of Abia state for the steps taken so far to remove fear and forestall further breakdown of law and order saying that it is important to reinforce people’s confidence in the ability of the government to protect them without violation of their rights.

“We call on the Nigerian military to leverage on the series of training the Commission has offered them on mainstreaming human rights into their operations especially with the emerging human rights challenges, adding that they are expected to carry out their duties according to international best practices,” the statement reads.