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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has decried the surge in killings across Imo State, blaming both heavily armed non-state actors and security forces for the violence.
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The group attributed the crisis to a lack of effective political leadership and criticised the Imo State administration and the Federal Government for failing to adopt non-violent conflict resolution strategies.
HURIWA expressed deep concern over a recent bomb explosion at Orlu International Market that claimed several lives, describing it as a tragic indication that Imo has become a deadly hotspot in the South-East region.
The advocacy group called for urgent peaceful negotiations and an end to the systematic killings of innocent citizens. Speaking on the matter, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, labelled the situation as an outrageous crime against humanity. He criticised political leaders in Imo for failing to unite the populace and persuade the federal government to explore non-kinetic approaches to conflict resolution.
“We urge the Imo State governor to genuinely commit to peace-building efforts. He should reside in Owerri to facilitate negotiations and restore peace by all means possible,” Onwubiko stated.
Addressing the recent abduction of Reverend Father Azubuike in the Obollo Community, Isiala Mbano Local Council, HURIWA, pleaded with the captors to release him unharmed. The group emphasised that the clergyman’s role is solely to serve his community.
“We urge those holding him to free him immediately so he can continue his humanitarian work in rural Imo,” HURIWA appealed.
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