Amanze Chinonye
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, to either resign or temporarily hand over governance to his deputy following Wednesday night’s reported attack around the Federal University of Technology Owerri community.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group alleged that more than 50 armed men suspected to be Fulani terrorists invaded the Eziobodo and Ihiagwa areas near the university, firing gunshots and throwing the community into panic.
The statement, signed by HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, claimed that students and residents fled for safety as the attackers reportedly shot indiscriminately around student hostels and residential areas.
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According to the rights group, some persons were injured during the incident, while others were reportedly missing as of the time the statement was issued.
HURIWA criticised security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services, over what it described as a failure to prevent the attack despite their visible presence across Owerri and other parts of Imo State.
The group questioned how the attackers were allegedly able to move freely within the area before security operatives eventually intervened.
It further alleged that armed groups masquerading as herders were operating in forests across the state and accused security agencies of focusing more attention on activities linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) rather than tackling violent criminal groups.
“HURIWA is aware that there is also a contingent of special forces from the military whose primary focus is on members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, yet armed attackers have repeatedly launched deadly attacks in Imo State,” the statement said.
The group also faulted Governor Uzodinma over what it described as his growing involvement in national politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that governance in the state was suffering as a result.
“Our proposal is that Governor Hope Uzodinma should quit or take a long vacation and empower his deputy to fully provide governance in Imo State,” HURIWA stated.
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The organisation further urged the Imo State Government to strengthen surveillance across rural communities, regulate cattle-rearing activities, abolish open grazing in urban centres, and improve security coordination to protect residents and students.
Meanwhile, tension reportedly persists around the university community, with some students said to have relocated to safer areas following the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Imo State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement on the alleged attack.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
