Release date: January 16, 2015

The Nigerian Coalition for the International Criminal Court (NCICC) categorically and unequivocally condemns the recent massacre in the towns of Baga and Doron Baga (also known as Doro Gowon) by the Boko Haram sect.

The Baga massacre which claimed hundreds of lives especially those of women, children and elderly ones who were too weak to escape as well as the destruction of over 3,700 homes and buildings occurred 2days after the New Year when the insurgents stormed the towns of Baga and began shooting indiscriminately at the civilians. It is indeed the “worst, most destructive and the deadliest massacre” that has ever occurred since Boko Haram militants began its bloody campaign of targeting civilians.

NCICC is equally alarmed and saddened by the escalation of Boko Haram’s attack on civilians who live in constant fear of such attacks considering the fact that this is not the first time Boko Haram is attacking Baga town in Borno State.

The first attack by the Boko Haram militants in Baga occurred in April 2013 where over 185 people lost their lives and more than 2000 homes destroyed. The 2013 killings in Baga although gross enough to elicit public outrage considering the fact that every human life is precious is however little compared to the massacre which occurred last week.

This heinous attack committed by Boko Haram is nothing short of “crimes against humanity” which the entire International Community abhors.

The Nigerian Coalition for the International Criminal Court is calling on the Federal Government to increase its effort in protecting the vulnerable civilians in the Northeast Nigeria.

 

Chino Obiagwu

Chair NCICC      

 

Onyinye Oguamah

Coordinator