The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has warned the military against targeting innocent people in revenge missions over the killings of some soldiers. The group is armed that innocent youths should not be targeted in its total declaration to clampdown on the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Aba following the killing of five of its personnel during the enforcement of sit-at-home in Abuja State.....Read The Full Story Here ▶
The Army had on Friday declared there would be a fierce response following the tragic killing of five soldiers by suspected IPOB members in Aba, Abia State.
HURIWA in a statement on Friday signed by its national coordinator, comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko insisted that, while the perpetrators of this heinous act must be brought to justice, the military’s right and duty to protect its personnel and citizens from terrorist activities must not be forgotten to target innocent young men in the state.
The group emphasised that such operations must be conducted within the bounds of the law and human rights principles.
“The killing of soldiers is a grave and unacceptable act of violence that demands a response,” stated Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA. “However, it is imperative that this response is measured, targeted, and avoids collateral damage, particularly to innocent civilians. We cannot allow the tragic loss of our soldiers to justify further loss of innocent lives.”
They warned against the potential for a humanitarian crisis if the military engages in indiscriminate retaliation, stating that past experiences have shown that broad military actions in civilian areas can lead to widespread suffering and displacement.
HURRIWA however disclosed that the Southeast region is already experiencing significant tensions and that any heavy-handed military response could exacerbate the situation.
“History has taught us that collective punishment is not only ineffective but also counterproductive.
“It breeds resentment and alienation among the population whose support is crucial in combating insurgent groups. The military must focus on precision and intelligence-driven operations to apprehend the actual perpetrators.”
HURIWA emphasised that Nigeria is a country governed by law, not a banana republic where extrajudicial actions are tolerated, stressing that the military must operate within the framework of national and international law, ensuring that any actions taken are lawful and justifiable.