The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised alarm and unequivocally condemned the escalating wave of politically motivated violence, intimidation, and unlawful suppression of opposition activities in Ideato North and Ideato South Local Government Areas of Imo State.
The Rights Group said “What is unfolding in Imo State is not merely a political disagreement—it is a dangerous descent into lawlessness, where democratic freedoms are being systematically eroded through force, fear, and impunity.”
HURIWA calls on the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to immediately rise to the constitutional responsibilities of his office by guaranteeing the safety, rights, and freedom of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.”
In a statement made available to VDCInsights and signed by the National Coordinator of HURIWA,Emmanuel Onwubiko said “The Governor must not preside over a system where dissent is treated as a crime and opposition voices are violently silenced.”
“We are deeply troubled by credible and consistent reports indicating that supporters of a rising political formation in Ideato North—associated with Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, a sitting member of the House of Representatives—have been subjected to repeated violent attacks, harassment, and intimidation allegedly perpetrated by armed individuals operating under the guise of vigilantes.”
HURIWA stated “Particularly disturbing are reports of attempts to sabotage lawful political gatherings, including the alleged deployment of armed thugs to seize venues, disrupt events, and even destroy property belonging to citizens engaged in constitutionally protected political activities,” adding “Such actions are not only provocative but amount to a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic framework.”
‘The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended) is clear and binding. It guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and participation in governance. These rights are not privileges granted at the discretion of any government—they are fundamental, inalienable, and enforceable,” HURIWA stated.
Let it be stated without ambiguity:
SOVEREIGNTY BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE OF NIGERIA, FROM WHOM GOVERNMENT DERIVES ALL ITS POWERS AND LEGITIMACY.
Consequently, any attempt by any authority—state or non-state actors—to suppress, intimidate, or violently obstruct citizens from exercising these rights is null, void, unconstitutional, and illegal.
HURIWA warns that the Imo State Government cannot abdicate responsibility or feign ignorance. Under both constitutional and moral obligations, the Governor is the Chief Security Officer of the state and bears ultimate responsibility for any breakdown of law and order within his jurisdiction.
Should these acts of violence persist, the Government of Imo State will be held accountable—both nationally and internationally—for enabling an environment where democratic rights are trampled upon with impunity.
Furthermore, HURIWA draws urgent attention to the deeply disturbing revelations by Amnesty International regarding the operations of the so-called “Tiger Base,” the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Owerri. The report paints a horrifying picture of entrenched human rights abuses, including:
Prolonged arbitrary detention without trial
Systematic torture and inhumane treatment
Extortion and exploitation of detainees
Enforced disappearances
Separation of children from their mothers without documentation
Detention in overcrowded, unsanitary, and life-threatening conditions
These practices are a direct violation of Nigeria’s Constitution, the Anti-Torture Act of 2017, and binding international human rights obligations. They represent not only institutional failure but a stain on the conscience of the nation.
HURIWA demands an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into these allegations, with a view to prosecuting all culpable officers and dismantling any structure that enables such atrocities.
In light of the rising tension and the clear threat to public peace, HURIWA urgently calls on:
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP)
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS)
The Honourable Minister of Defence
to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard lives, protect property, and ensure that the constitutional rights of all Nigerians—especially those in Imo State—are upheld without compromise.
Nigeria must not be allowed to slide into a state where political competition is replaced with coercion, and where the rule of law is subordinated to the rule of might.
Democracy is not sustained by intimidation, violence, or repression. It thrives on tolerance, inclusivity, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
We therefore demand:
An immediate cessation of all violent attacks and intimidation against opposition members
The withdrawal of all armed thugs and unlawful vigilante groups from political spaces
The protection of all lawful political gatherings and assemblies
The prosecution of individuals involved in acts of violence and arson
A full-scale investigation into human rights abuses at “Tiger Base”
The people of Imo State—and indeed all Nigerians—must not be denied their democratic rights by any individual or authority.
History will not be kind to those who choose repression over justice, or violence over democracy.
Enough is Enough.
