Politics
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urgently called for an investigation by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) into the allegations of genocide against the Igbo people by the Nigerian Army. The group emphasized that the accusations leveled by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against the Army are not entirely baseless, highlighting the need for an impartial and independent investigation into the matter.
HURIWA’s call comes amid escalating concerns over the spate of kidnappings and violence in the South-East geo-political region, particularly in the Ihiala axis of Anambra State, which has been dubbed the ‘Sambisa Forest of the South-East’. “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.
“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”.
In a Press statement, HURIWA revealed that it has consistently supported the Nigerian government’s efforts to restore peace and stability in the South-East. The organization acknowledged the devastating impact of the ongoing violence, which has led to widespread loss of lives and destruction of property. However, HURIWA is deeply concerned about the methods employed by security agencies, which have allegedly resulted in the indiscriminate killing of innocent Igbo youths under the pretext of hunting down IPOB members.
The rights group pointed out that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which should ideally conduct such investigations in Nigeria, lacks the independence required for an impartial investigation. HURIWA argued that the NHRC, a federal government agency, is not in a position to assess the situation objectively, hence the need for a high-powered investigative team from the UNHRC.
While HURIWA supports the federal government’s initiative to restore security and stability in the South-East, it stresses that the government must also protect innocent civilians. The group 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”.
HURIWA also expressed concern over the activities of individuals like Asari Dokubo, who visited President Bola Tinubu when he newly won the election and gave a sensational interview admitting to running a private army. During the interview, Dokubo claimed that he undertook assignments for the federal government to combat terrorists in the North and allegedly carried out operations in the South-East. Hence, HURIWA called for Dokubo’s arrest and prosecution or, at the very least, an open investigation to determine the legality of his actions.
The group questioned how a private individual could be allowed to operate a private army, which is unconstitutional in Nigeria. HURIWA urged the government to investigate the allegations that some of the killings in the South-East during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari were carried out by Dokubo’s so-called private army. The group is particularly concerned about the video footage showing Dokubo brandishing sophisticated military-grade weapons, which no private individual in Nigeria is legally permitted to possess. Despite these serious allegations, there has been no action taken by the Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), or any other security outfit.
HURIWA noted with alarm that the Army and the Police continue to parade individuals purportedly arrested as IPOB members, yet there has been no transparent disclosure regarding how many of these individuals have been successfully prosecuted. The rights group demanded answers on how many of those arrested have been tried, convicted, or are still in detention. Moreover, HURIWA questioned whether there is any substantial proof linking the mainstream IPOB loyal to Nnamdi Kanu, who has been detained for an extended period, to the killings.
HURIWA reiterated its belief that Nnamdi Kanu’s detention is illegal, arguing that the government has failed to provide any evidence linking him to the violence in the South-East. The group draws a parallel between Kanu’s case and that of a Miyetti Allah leader who was arrested and later released by the government, despite facing charges in court. The federal government’s sudden withdrawal of charges and release of the Miyetti Allah leader raises questions about the selective application of justice.
In light of these concerns, HURIWA has drafted a formal letter to the UNHRC, urging them to dispatch a team to Nigeria to investigate the allegations of genocide and other human rights violations in the South-East. The rights group emphasized that not all those killed in the region are members of IPOB, and even if they were, the indiscriminate bombing of villages and attacks on civilians cannot be justified. HURIWA insisted that suspects should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law, rather than subjected to extrajudicial killings.
HURIWA also criticized the National Assembly for its failure to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the killings in the South-East. The group believes that the National Assembly’s leadership is compromised, as it functions as an appendage of the executive arm of government. HURIWA argued that the lack of separation of powers in Nigeria has rendered the judiciary and legislature incapable of holding the executive accountable for its actions.
In conclusion, HURIWA called for an independent and transparent investigation into the killings in the South-East to ascertain the true identities of the perpetrators. The group believes that only an international body like the UNHRC can conduct an impartial investigation that will hold those responsible accountable for their actions. HURIWA also demanded the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been unjustly detained without evidence linking him to the violence in the South-East.
30th AUgust, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria United Nations
