Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou (far right) and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari (right) observe a horse wearing a ceremonial outfit in Niamey, Niger on June 3, 2015. (Reuters)
The United Nations' top human rights official called on Nigeria's new President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate and prosecute "horrifying" allegations of executions, rape and amputations of children by Islamist insurgents Boko Haram.
Zeid Ra'ad Al-Hussein also said reports of violations committed by Nigerian armed forces should be investigated and perpetrators brought to justice.
"Civilians in northeast Nigeria have been living through horrifying acts of cruelty and violence by Boko Haram. These include wanton killings, summary executions, forced participation in military operations - including the use of children to detonate bombs, forced labour, forced marriage and sexual violence, including rape," Zeid said, citing eyewitness testimony gathered by his office.
© Thomson Reuters 2015