Amnesty International Confirms Over 400 Killed in Imo State Amid Gunmen Attacks and Reprisals (2019-2021)Amnesty International has confirmed that more than 400 people were killed in Imo State, Nigeria, between January 2019 and December 2021 due to persistent gunmen attacks and subsequent reprisals. This period has seen a surge in violence in the Southeastern region, fueled by "unknown gunmen" who often operate unmasked from camps, targeting residents, police stations, and vigilante offices in Imo and neighboring states. These violent raids have triggered deadly reprisals, resulting in widespread death and injuries for thousands of residents. The gunmen also disrupt community events like burials and weddings, demanding money and attacking anyone who resists.The insecurity has overwhelmed local communities and authorities. Amnesty International urges the Nigerian government to conduct transparent investigations into these attacks and hold perpetrators accountable. The humanitarian toll extends beyond Imo, with the Southeastern region experiencing over 1,800 deaths and numerous cases of arbitrary detentions and disappearances from January 2021 to June 2023. Human rights groups have also documented excessive force and unlawful acts by security forces responding to these crises, including extrajudicial executions and illegal arrests.Recent incidents, such as the killing of at least 30 travelers in an attack on the Okigwe-Owerri highway, underscore the ongoing danger and government’s urgent need to address the root causes of violence and protect civilians in Imo State and the South-East. Amnesty International’s reports highlight the critical security challenges facing the region and call for immediate action to break the cycle of violence and impunity.Key points:Over 400 killed in Imo State from 2019-2021 due to gunmen and reprisalsGunmen attacks include raids on homes, police stations, and public roadsViolence disrupts community events with extortion and threatsAmnesty International calls for thorough investigations and accountabilityOver 1,800 deaths and multiple abuses recorded in the South-East since 2021Security forces face allegations of human rights abuses during operationsRecent attack on Okigwe-Owerri highway killed at least 30 travelers, reaffirming ongoing instabilityThis report from Amnesty International highlights the urgent need for Nigerian authorities to restore security and uphold human rights in Imo State and the wider Southeastern region to protect civilians from further harm.�����