The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a leading civil rights advocacy group, has sharply condemned the recent attack on the Amegu Nkalagha community in Ebonyi State by suspected Fulani terrorists.
In a statement, HURIWA described the violent assault as “an unspeakable abomination” and a “shameful indictment” on the Ebonyi State government’s failure to protect its citizens.
The group has called on Governor Francis Nwifuru to take urgent action, urging the immediate arrest, prosecution, and harsh punishment of those responsible for the attack, including advocating for the death penalty for the perpetrators.
According to HURIWA, this would send a strong message that such terror will not be tolerated in the state.
HURIWA’s spokesperson, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, expressed grave concern over the ongoing insecurity in the region despite the presence of large numbers of military personnel and police forces stationed across the southeastern states.
He noted that while roadblocks and security checks have become a common sight, they have done little to prevent armed Fulani terrorists from continuing their attacks on innocent civilians.
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Onwubiko stated, “It is utterly reprehensible and incomprehensible that despite the heavy presence of security forces, these armed Fulani terrorists continue to perpetrate violence in Igbo communities. The government must act quickly to protect the people of Ebonyi and restore public confidence in their safety.”
The civil rights group also slammed the Nigerian Police for its failure to prevent the attack, stating that the police’s neglect of its primary duties—including law enforcement, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property—has further endangered the citizens of Ebonyi State.
HURIWA called for the dismissal and prosecution of the Ebonyi State police commissioner, emphasizing that the police have failed in their core mandate.
HURIWA’s statement highlighted that the police are expected to ensure law enforcement, detect and prevent crime, and safeguard citizens’ lives and property.
However, the group argues that the Nigerian Police Force has utterly failed in its duties, particularly in Ebonyi State, where recent attacks by Fulani militants have claimed innocent lives and destroyed property.
The attack on Amegu Nkalagha, located in Ishielu Local Government Area, occurred on the morning of Sunday, February 2, 2025. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants stormed the village in the early hours, killing several people and burning down buildings.
The violence is believed to be a reprisal for the alleged killing of cattle belonging to the herders in the area. However, this claim remains unsubstantiated, with community members strongly denying any involvement, stating that the cattle were killed by members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the forest.
Professor Ndubuisi Idenyi, a local resident, confirmed the attack and lamented the heavy loss of lives and property. “We are still recovering the bodies, especially those found in the farms,” he said.
Another source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that a local pastor was among those killed during the attack.