Victor Ezeja
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for an investigation independent investigation into violence and killings in Southeast Nigeria to uncover the true identities of those behind it.
The group said called on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), to step and do that, asserting it is only such international body that can “conduct an impartial investigation that will hold those responsible accountable for their actions.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHURIWA made the call in a statement released on Thursday, 29 August, signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko.
The rights group also urged the UN Human Rights Council urgently investigate the allegations made the allegations of genocide against the Igbo people by the Nigerian Army.
It said the accusations leveled by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against the Army should not be dismissed as “baseless,” underscoring the need for an impartial and independent investigation into the matter.
The group said its call stemmed from the spate of insecurity in the South-east region.
Some parts of the South-east region have been ravaged by insecurity manifesting in the forms of kidnappings, killings and violence. Of particular concern now, according to HURIWA, is kidnapping and killings in Ihiala, Anambra State, which it said has been dubbed the “Sambisa Forest of the South-East.”
It said: “The dense forests in this region have reportedly become notorious for harboring criminal elements, including kidnappers, who have turned these areas into terror zones. Victims who manage to survive the ordeal recount harrowing experiences, including torture, maiming, and in some cases, death even after ransom payments. The dead bodies of those less fortunate, along with their personal belongings, often litter the forests where they were held captive.
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“These kidnappers reportedly operate with impunity in areas like Ihiala, Lilu, Orsumoghu, and other surrounding communities, despite efforts by security agents to comb the forests and engage in gun battles with the criminals. The vast forest stretch, known locally as ‘Mother Valley’ and other nicknames, spans over 700 hectares and is largely inaccessible, making it a haven for these criminal activities. Residents live in constant fear, with some communities abandoned or deserted due to the persistent threat posed by these criminal elements”.
The said group said it has consistently supported the Nigerian government’s efforts to restore peace and stability in the South-east, given the devastating impact of the violence, which has led to widespread loss of lives and destruction of property.
However, it expressed worry about the approach employed by security agencies, “which have allegedly resulted in the indiscriminate killing of innocent Igbo youths under the pretext of hunting down IPOB members.”
While justifying its call for UNHCR to step in and investigate the crisis in the region, HURIWA argued that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which should ideally conduct such investigations in Nigeria, lacks the independence required for an impartial investigation. It said that being a federal government agency, “NHRC is not in a position to assess the situation objectively, hence the need for a high-powered investigative team from the UNHRC.”
The group emphasised that while the federal government continues with the initiative to restore security and stability in the South-east, it has the HURIWA supports the federal government’s initiative to restore security and stability in the South-East, it has the duty to protect innocent civilians.
HURWA condemned the killing of security personnel and attacks on national security assets but raised concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the identities of those responsible for these attacks. “Each time an attack occurs, the Nigerian Armed Forces are quick to blame IPOB, but the official IPOB leadership often denies involvement. In some instances, factions within IPOB, which the mainstream group has distanced itself from, claim responsibility. This confusion underscores the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain the truth,” it stated.
