Amnesty International has confirmed that the Nigerian army gunned down unarmed people ahead of last month's planned pro-Biafran commemoration events in Onitsha, Anambra state.

"Sky New Arabia" channel quoted the international body as saying "After visits to hospitals and morgues, the organization has confirmed - based on this initial investigation - that at least 17 people were killed and nearly 50 injured. The real number is likely to be higher."

Some of the dead and injured of the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) supporters seen by an Amnesty International researcher were shot in the back, an indication that they were fleeing the scene when they were shot, the organization added.

The leadership of IPOB claim more than 50 of their members were killed. 

The Nigerian army has said in a statement that they acted in self-defence, and five IPOB members were killed. 

However, Amnesty International has seen no evidence that the killings were necessary to protect life.

Source ; MENA