Amnesty Intl, Sowore, Shehu Sani call for end to enforced disappearances in Nigeria

• The organization highlights the widespread prevalence of enforced disappearances across Nigeria, especially in conflict areas, with countless individuals missing for extended periods
• The country director, Isa Sanusi, criticizes the Nigerian government for failing to conduct effective investigations into cases of enforced disappearances
  

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Amnesty International Nigeria has urged Nigerian authorities to genuinely commit to eradicating the grave crime of enforced disappearances on this year’s International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance.

Amnesty International Nigeria expresses concern that this crime is prevalent nationwide, with numerous individuals missing or disappearing for extended periods, particularly in conflict-prone regions.

The organization commemorated the day in Abuja, bringing together victims’ families, activists, law enforcement, civil society, and the media.

During the event, Isa Sanusi, the country director of Amnesty International Nigeria, noted that the government’s failure to conduct effective investigations into cases of enforced disappearances is regrettable.

Sanusi emphasized that enforced disappearances have been historically used to suppress critics and instill fear in civilian populations.

Civil rights activists Omoyele Sowore and Senator Shehu Sani criticized the Nigerian government for not accounting for those who have been forcibly disappeared.

They label enforced disappearance as a tool of terror employed by both state and non-state actors to silence dissent. They point to the abduction of Abubakar Idris (Dadiyata), a government critic, and other Nigerians as clear evidence of authorities’ failure to protect human life.

Sowore stressed that justice will only prevail if those responsible for arbitrary and unlawful arrests leading to enforced disappearances are held accountable.

Senator Sani commented on Dadiyata’s case and the silence of those who should have spoken out, highlighting a disregard for the sanctity of life.

Usman Idris Usman, Dadiyata’s brother, also attended the event. He recounted the family’s fruitless attempts to prompt authorities to take action or initiate efforts to locate Dadiyata. He expressed disappointment that despite reaching out to all relevant government agencies, his family and Dadiyata’s two daughters continue to be left without answers or accountability, even after four years.