An advocacy group, Salvation and Service (SnS), has strongly condemned the rising wave of killings, abductions, and human rights violations in the South-East, describing the situation as alarming and unacceptable.
Reacting to a recent Amnesty International report which revealed that at least 1,844 people were killed between January 2021 and June 2023, the group said life in the region has “lost its sanctity.”
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Prince Tim Nwaro, SnS described the Amnesty International report titled “A Decade of Impunity” as “repulsive, reprehensible, and repugnant.” The group noted that the South-East has gradually turned into a “killing field” due to government’s failure to address worsening insecurity.
“Over the years, the South-East has witnessed horrifying incidents of extra-judicial killings, torture, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and property destruction carried out by armed groups, militias, vigilantes, cult gangs, and even security forces,” the group lamented.
SnS further noted that fear of violence has forced many residents to stop travelling to their hometowns, while weddings, funerals, and cultural events are increasingly held outside the region.
The group also highlighted disturbing cases of abuse, including:
- The killing of three sons of Mrs. Ukamaka Obasi in Ebonyi State between 2012 and 2014 by operatives of SARS, Awkuzu, who accused them of belonging to MASSOB.
- The invasion of Abala Umuotu village, Abia State, in 2018 where soldiers killed community leader Elder Victor Ogbonna and left his family in distress.
- The murder of Mr. and Mrs. Onya in Ebonyi State in 2020 by suspected state actors while working on their farm.
SnS warned that many communities, particularly in Anambra and Imo States, have been deserted following sustained military raids, bombings, and the killing of defenceless civilians.
The group called on the government to urgently address the crisis, end impunity, and ensure justice for victims of extra-judicial killings in the region.
