Group laments poor security, extrajudicial killings in Imo

Tasks Imo govt on improved security

Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), yesterday, condemned insecurity in Imo State, allegedly perpetrated by both state and non-state actors, leading to the death of many people, particularly Igbo youths.

In a statement by HURIWA’s national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group urged appointees of the State governor, Hope Uzodimma to live and operate from the state in view to understanding the urgency and situation felt by Imo citizens through the incessant killings of Igbo youths by alleged armed security forces and state-owned Ebubeagu security network.

According to the group, “ Imo State administration has failed to amplify the need for the implementation of effective statewide non -kinetic and non military methodologies, towards resolving the long-standing and unresolved cases of extra legal execution of Igbo youths by the security services, maintained and paid with taxpayers’ funds but controlled by the centre.

“These groups have displayed lackadaisical approaches towards finding lasting panacea to the heightened state of insecurity in some parts of the states.”

The rights group called on Amnesty International, Human Right Watch and other International coalition of Civil Rights monitors to take special interest in the silent killings in Imo, particularly around Orlu senatorial zone.

It also asked that the Imo State government to pass a law through the parliament mandating all appointees and their families, including recognised traditional rulers to live and operate from the state, noting that it’s strange and irregular seeing some prominent traditional rulers operate from Lagos State.

The group further asked the state Commissioner for Security and Vigilante affairs, Mr. Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji , to relocate his family to live within the territory of Imo State, so his ministry can implement more workable and efficient measures in curbing both cases of criminality and extrajudicial killings evident in the state.