HURIWA Denounces Mass Killings In Imo

By Ayodele Oni

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA) has charged the Imo state Governor, Hope Uzodinma, to seek  measures to stop  killings of Imo citizens.

The charge is coming as tension builds up in Amakohia-Ubi community in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state following a deadly attack by suspected armed Fulani herders, which left one vigilante leader dead while others remain missing or wounded.

HURIWA also asked the state police Commissioner to brief state citizens about how far the police have gone in apprehending the gunmen that invaded three communities in Arondizuogu in Ideato North Local Government Area and slaughtered over two dozens of the citizens.

Specifically, the Rights group recalled that the Imo State police spokesperson had specifically identified the group from which the armed attackers belonged, but wondered why for over three weeks the police have made no breakthrough in their investigation.

In a statement signed by the Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, declared that “We demand accountability on the part of the police whose duty it is to maintain internal security and to prevent the killings of innocent citizens of Imo state.”

HURIWA, which lamented that armed Fulani insurgents masquerading as herders have been allowed free passage to many communities in the State which has resulted in deaths, destruction, barbarism and frustration of farmers.

“The law enforcement agencies in Imo State must be made to live up to their legal duties to the citizens, otherwise the people should be allowed to find alternative way of defending themselves.

“The security agents have consistently disappointed by not preventing bloodletting violence that have been unleashed by different armed non-state actors.”

HURIWA stated that it is totally unacceptable that the Imo State government, which recently directed herders to stop roaming around the streets and strictly comply by the law has been unable to enforce these relevant laws to check the menace of invasions of farms by armed herders.

“Letting armed terrorists to disrupt farming activities is antidote to mass hunger and starvation in the near future which Imo state government must implement effective deterrent mechanisms to stop the destruction of farms in Imo state especially by herders.

HURIWA stressed the urgent need for efficient security measures to be activated to protect the citizens who have suffered several sustained violence by gunmen and herders.

“The dead, wounded, and missing persons are all members of our community vigilante group. Monday Nwaozuzu was killed by the herdsmen, while others are still missing or wounded.”

HURIWA emphasised that the communities remain on edge as residents continue to flee, fearing further attacks from the rampaging herders.

It urged the state government to clearly inform the citizens about the security preventive measures that the administration has put in motion to check these incessant attacks on communities by armed Fulani herders.