Arondizuogu Killings: HURIWA Slams Gov. Uzodimma’s Hypocrisy

Civil Society group, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed outrage over Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma’s silence following last Thursday’s brutal massacre in Arondizuogu communities, where unidentified gunmen slaughtered dozens of residents in coordinated dawn attacks.

The violence, which targeted Ndi-Ejezie, Umualaoma, and Ndiakuwata Uno communities in Ideato North LGA, left charred bodies strewn across homes, as seen in disturbing viral videos. While police blame IPOB/ESN militants for the “barbaric” killings, no arrests have been made since the July 24 attacks.

Leadership Failure Alleged
HURIWA, in a scathing statement, questioned why Governor Uzodimma—who accompanied President Tinubu on a condolence visit to Benue State after recent killings—has neither visited the bereaved communities nor addressed the carnage publicly. “If charity begins at home, the governor must lead physical condolences and pressure security chiefs to prevent recurrences,” the group demanded.

The rights organization also challenged Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the highest-ranking Igbo federal official, to join the governor in visiting Arondizuogu. Both leaders were urged to develop “concrete, non-kinetic solutions” to end the four-year cycle of violence that recently prompted U.S. travel warnings against Imo State.

Police Response Under Scrutiny
Imo Police Commissioner Aboki Danjuma condemned the “inhumane” attacks, confirming over seven deaths and multiple injuries. In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Henry Okoye, the CP condemned the assault and assured the public that tactical and intelligence teams had been deployed to apprehend those behind the violence.

“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has strongly condemned the gruesome attack carried out by gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN in the early hours of today, 25th July 2025,” the statement read.

“The senseless assault claimed the lives of over seven persons and left several others critically injured. The CP assured the public that the Command has deployed adequate operational and intelligence assets to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

While claiming tactical teams have “brought the situation under control,” the police appeal for public tips via emergency lines (08034773600/08103341610), promising confidentiality.

As families bury their dead, residents accuse authorities of indifference to the southeastern bloodshed—a charge that grows louder with each unanswered massacre.