The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to investigate the allegation of genocide against the Igbo people by the Nigerian Army.
HURIWA argued that the accusations by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) cannot be entirely baseless and called for an independent investigation into the matter.
Speaking via a press statement, the group said that it has consistently supported the Nigerian government’s efforts to restore peace and stability in the South-East.
HURIWA, however, lamented that it is deeply concerned about the methods employed by security agencies, which have allegedly resulted in the indiscriminate killing of innocent Igbo youths under the pretext of hunting down IPOB members.
They stated that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), a federal government agency, is not in a position to assess the situation objectively, hence the need for a high-powered investigative team from the UNHRC.
The group condemned the killing of security personnel and attacks on national security assets but raised concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the identities of those responsible for these attacks.
“Each time an attack occurs, the Nigerian Armed Forces are quick to blame IPOB, but the official IPOB leadership often denies involvement.
“In some instances, factions within IPOB, which the mainstream group has distanced itself from, claim responsibility. This confusion underscores the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain the truth,” the statement read in part.
