The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to urgently address what it described as the “sustained killings” of citizens by armed Fulani herders.
The appeal follows an attack on Wednesday evening in Amakohia-Ubi, Owerri West Local Government Area, where suspected herders reportedly shot dead a local vigilante leader, Monday Nwaozuzu, popularly known as Ojo Ola. Several others were said to be wounded or missing.
Eyewitnesses told reporters that the clash began when vigilantes attempted to stop herders from grazing on farmlands near a college in the community. “Nwaozuzu was killed on the spot. At least three others were caught in the crossfire,” said one resident. Another source added that the patrol team was ambushed, forcing villagers to search nearby bushes for the missing.
In a statement signed by National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA also demanded answers from the police over the recent invasion of three communities in Arondizuogu, Ideato North LGA, where more than two dozen residents were killed. The group noted that three weeks after police claimed to have identified the perpetrators, no progress had been made.
“Allowing armed herders to roam freely is a direct threat to food security and public safety,” the rights group said, faulting the government for failing to enforce its ban on open grazing. It accused security agencies of enabling impunity and warned that unchecked violence could derail democracy and development in the state.
As tension rises, many residents of Amakohia-Ubi are reported to be fleeing to neighbouring communities for fear of reprisal attacks.
