Amnesty International has indicted the military over the kidnap of 110 students of Government Girls Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State, on February 19.
It said its findings showed that security forces were aware of the impending attack but deserted the area.
Amnesty International said it was gathered that they were afraid that they might be run over by the terrorists group, who were said to be approaching in a convoy.
The group made the claim in a statement issued by Osai Ojigho, its director in Nigeria.
His words: “Evidence available to Amnesty International suggests that there are insufficient troops deployed in the area, and that an absence of patrols and the failure to respond to warnings and engage with Boko Haram contributed to this tragedy.
“The sighting of an armed convoy at Futchimiram immediately sparked several phone calls to alert authorities. Sources who informed the military commander in Geidam at 2 p.m. report that he responded to them by saying he was aware of the situation and was monitoring it.
“At around 3 p.m., the convoy arrived in Gumsa, where they remained till 5 p.m. People in Gumsa called Dapchi villagers to warn them that Boko Haram fighters were on their way. One villager who received such a call said he informed a police sergeant who promised to notify the Dapchi Division Police Officer (DPO).
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“At around 6:30pm, when residents were heading to the mosque for evening prayers, Boko Haram members entered Dapchi. Witnesses said Boko Haram fighters asked for directions to the military post, the local government office and the girls’ school.
“A police source in Dapchi told Amnesty International that officers fled because they feared that the Boko Haram fighters would overpower them.”
While in Dapchi, it was disclosed, the terrorists operated for one hour before leaving.
According to Amnesty International, the military did not come until about one hour after the terrorist had operated.
“The Nigerian authorities must investigate the inexcusable security lapses that allowed this abduction to take place without any tangible attempt to prevent it,” it said.
