The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has sent an urgent appeal to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mr. Karim A. A. Khan, seeking intervention and justice for victims of the recent violence and killings in Plateau State, Nigeria.
In a letter dated Saturday signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization implored Khan to issue a formal “preventative statement” and conduct a preliminary examination into the situation in Plateau State.
They also urged the ICC Prosecutor to consider extending any ongoing investigations to cover the unfolding events in the state.
SERAP expressed deep concern over the reported loss of lives, injuries, and disappearances, emphasizing that these actions may constitute crimes under international law.
The organization highlighted the urgency of the matter, urging Khan to visit Plateau State and deploy resources from the Trust Fund established by the ICC to ensure victims have access to effective remedies, including reparations.
The petition emphasized, “There is a reasonable basis to believe that crimes under international law and within the jurisdiction of the ICC have been committed in the ongoing violence in Plateau State. These allegations are also sufficiently grave to warrant a formal statement and preliminary examination by your Office.”
SERAP also emphasized that the ICC’s intervention in Plateau State would underscore the commitment to strengthening the rule of law at the international level, particularly in the pursuit of justice for victims.
The recent crisis in Plateau State has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 190 people, with many more injured and several individuals still missing.
