Fulani Terrorists Attack of Ebonyi Community, an Unspeakable Abomination: HURIWA

Describing it as an abominable and unspeakable shame on the ebonyi state government, leading civil rights advocacy group: HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) has tasked the Governor of Ebonyi state, Mr. Francis Nwifuru to direct and ensure the quickest arrest, swift, decisive and immediate prosecution and legal sanctions of the killer herders. HURIWA is proposing death penalty for these heartless mass killers.

“We in the civil rights community are very unhappy that even with the presence of hundreds of thousands of armed soldiers, police and para-militarty bodies mounting road blocks all over South-east and constituting grave uneasiness to south-easterners, harassing, maiming and humiliating innocent passersby, the despicable armed Fulani terrorists are still unleashing venomous violence on Igbo communities. This is absolutely reprehensible and condemnable. The Governor of Ebonyi state needs to act swiftly to protect the good people of Ebonyi State and demonstrate to the citizens that his administration is not in functional slumber and inactive. It is totally incomprehensible that the military cracked down on the Eastern Security Network that effectively decapitated the Fulani terrorists that nearly overran the South-East of Nigeria few years back, but the same military is now unable to combat the resurgence of armed attacks of Igbo communities by dare devil Fulani terrorists.”

“We condemn the police for failing to prevent this bloodshed and we call for severe punishment of the failed police commissioner because the fundamental duties the police owe Nigerians are:1. Law Enforcement
One of the primary duties of the Nigerian Police is the enforcement of laws. This includes ensuring that citizens abide by the legal framework set by the government and the judiciary. The police are tasked with arresting individuals who violate the law, investigating crimes, and gathering evidence to support prosecution. They work closely with other parts of the criminal justice system, including the courts and prisons, to ensure that justice is served. The enforcement of laws also involves the regulation of traffic, the prevention of smuggling and other forms of illegal trade, and the monitoring of compliance with various government regulations. By enforcing the law, the Nigerian Police play a crucial role in maintaining social order and protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens.

HURIWA highlighted the two other strategic legal duties of the police to include: 2. Crime Prevention and Detection
Preventing and detecting crime is another core responsibility of the Nigerian Police. This involves proactive measures to deter criminal activities before they occur, as well as reactive measures to investigate crimes after they have taken place. The police conduct patrols, gather intelligence, and engage with communities to identify potential threats and prevent crimes from happening.
The Nigerian Police also have specialized units, such as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which focuses on investigating serious crimes like murder, armed robbery, and fraud. These units use forensic analysis, undercover operations, and other investigative techniques to solve complex cases and bring offenders to justice. Through crime prevention and detection, the Nigerian Police help to create a safer environment for all Nigerians, and (3). Protection of Lives and Property
The protection of lives and property is a fundamental duty of the Nigerian Police. This responsibility extends to all citizens and residents of Nigeria, regardless of their status or background. The police are expected to respond promptly to emergencies, such as accidents, fires, and natural disasters, to protect people and minimize damage to property. In addition to responding to emergencies, the Nigerian Police also provide security at public events, such as political rallies, sports matches, and religious gatherings. They work to prevent violence and ensure that such events proceed peacefully. By safeguarding lives and property, the Nigerian Police contribute to the overall stability and well-being of society. The Rights body indicated that the above summation of the duties of the police as enunciated by legal experts, go to show that the Nigeria Police Force has failed the good people of Ebonyi State.”

HURIWA recalled that Amegu Nkalagha Community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State came under heavy attack on Sunday morning, reportedly resulting in the killing of several residents.

We learnt that during the attack, many building were burnt to ashes.

The incident is believed to be a reprisal following the reported killing of cattle belonging to herdsmen in the area, an allegation that lacks verifiable evidence and is totally unjustifiable for the brazen act of depravity and terror violence unleashed on the Ebonyi people by armed Fulani terrorists.

Professor Ndubuisi Idenyi, a community member, while confirming the attack to the media, stated that the assailants stormed the village in the early hours of Sunday, unleashing violence that left many dead and properties destroyed.

“I don’t have the number of casualties right now. We are still tracking and bringing out the dead bodies, especially those killed in the farms,” he said.

Another source said that a pastor of a Pentecostal Church in the area was among those killed in the attack.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, said the community members were not responsible for the killing of the cows.

“We did not kill their cows. The cows were killed by members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the forest,” the source said.

Chairperson of Isheilu Local Government Area, Ifeoma Peace Agwu, confirmed the incident.

She said: “We are taking the victims’ bodies to the mortuary right now. I cannot talk much on it now. We will give more details later.”

Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko
National Coordinator,
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
3rd February,2025

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