Nigeria's rights commission to investigate Baga killings

(Nigeria) The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has set up an independent investigative team, to probe the Baga killings in Borno State, following a confrontation between suspected Boko Haram fighters and Special Task Force, in the state.
Chairman of NHRC, Prof Chidi Odinkalu, Monday, said "NHRC has followed with committed concern the recent reports about the recent encounter in Baga, North-Eastern Nigeria, between alleged insurgents and personnel of the uniformed services. While the exact identities of the parties involved, what triggered this incident, the specifications of ordnance that may have been deployed and the full extent of casualty count remain unclear, it seems evident that an incident of profound humanitarian and human rights significance occurred, resulting in fatalities.
" In order to understand what happened, it is necessary to undertake an independent and credible assessment of the situation in the affected locations.    
"As an independent and statutory national institution for the protection of human rights, the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has a responsibility to undertake this assessment and is willing to do so. For this purpose, the Commission has initiated separate consultations with relevant agencies as well as with people from the affected communities. An assessment will also involve a visit to the affected communities. The Commission will also take the opportunity of this insertion to undertake an independent assessment of the wider situation in N.E. Nigeria.
"Sections 5 (b)-(e) and 6(1) of the amended National Human Rights Commission, NHRC Act requires the Commission in such situations to undertake investigations, assessments or studies and address recommendations to the President, the National Assembly or any other institutions or levels of government as to what may be done. If human rights crimes are disclosed, the NHRC Act also empowers the Commission to make appropriate recommendations to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice who is the Chief Law Officer of the Federation.

"The Act also gives the Commission full powers of a commission of inquiry, if necessary. This is an onerous responsibility. As an independent institution, the NHRC must act with balance, fairness, confidence, rigour and professionalism in this case and we are committed to doing so.

"For its part, the NHRC fully expects the agencies of the Federal Government as well as the Borno State Government to afford full co-operation to the Commission in the conduct of this important work. "

The Commission is maintaining full consultation with relevant international institutions and mandates and will keep all apprised of our progress and findings.  In the interim, the NHRC transmits sincere condolences to the families who may have lost loved ones in this incident."