HURIWA Slams Imo Govt Over Failure to Protect Citizens

A civil rights group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has condemned the gruesome murder of a United States-based returnee by armed terrorists in Owerri, Imo State. The victim, who had returned to Nigeria and was on his way to inspect his landed assets near the Golden Estate / Abba Father Avenue, Umuguma, Owerri West, was ambushed by masked gunmen believed to be herdsmen. He was shot in the head and killed instantly, while his wife was abducted.

HURIWA described the attack as an “intolerable crime” and demanded comprehensive security measures to stamp out those it described as “Fulani terrorists” in Imo State. The group tasked Governor Hope Uzodimma to provide effective leadership and security to protect the lives and property of Imo State citizens.

“The Imo State governor seemed massively distracted by the politics of opportunism and securing procured endorsements for second term ambition of the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” HURIWA said. “If he has no solution to the killings of Imo citizens by armed Fulani terrorists, then he has no business remaining as the governor of Imo state.”

HURIWA also criticized the Imo State Police Command for its “shameless absence of any sort of professional commitment” to rid the state of the incessant attacks. The group demanded that the police and other security agencies partner with civilian joint task forces to stamp out the terrorists.

The whereabouts of the abducted wife remain unknown, and HURIWA has called for her immediate release. The group also warned that if the government fails to provide adequate security, citizens may be forced to take matters into their own hands and arm themselves for self-defense.