The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed its unequivocal condemnation of the recent video circulating on social media, where a Nigerian woman based in Ontario, Canada, identified as Amaka Patience Sunnberger, called for the mass poisoning of Yoruba and Benin people. The association demanded that authorities, both in Nigeria and Canada, take immediate and decisive action to ensure that the woman is arrested, extradited, and prosecuted for her inflammatory and dangerous statements.

In the disturbing video, which has gone viral across multiple platforms, Sunnberger is seen and heard urging Igbos to poison Yoruba and Benin people, describing her hatred for them and advocating for their slow and painful deaths through poisoned food and water. The video, conducted during a TikTok live session, has sparked outrage, with many calling for justice.

HURIWA, which has always been at the forefront of advocating for human rights and justice in Nigeria, has reacted strongly to this incident. The association recalled that when a similar situation arose, where Igbos were threatened and told to leave Lagos, it was among the first to speak out against such divisive and dangerous rhetoric. In light of this consistency, HURIWA demanded that the same urgency be applied in dealing with Sunnberger’s case.

“There is no justification for the incitement to commit mass murder based on ethnic hatred,” HURIWA stated. “We call on the Canadian authorities, as well as the Nigerian government, to ensure that Sunnberger is arrested immediately and prosecuted for her criminal behavior. This is a clear case of cyberbullying and incitement to violence, which should be met with the full weight of the law.”

HURIWA emphasized that Sunnberger, despite residing in Canada, remains a Nigerian citizen and should be held accountable for her actions. The association called for her extradition to Nigeria to face trial for her hate speech, which amounts to a serious criminal offense.

“Wherever she is, whether in Europe or America, Sunnberger is still a Nigerian, and she should be arrested and prosecuted for her crime. If necessary, Nigeria should move for her extradition so she can be brought to Nigeria for trial,” the association stated.

HURIWA also raised concerns about what it perceives as selective reactions from government officials and security agencies in Nigeria, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS). The association pointed out that when a similar threat was made against Igbos in Lagos, there was a conspicuous silence from the DSS, who failed to take any meaningful action against those responsible for the threats.

“The DSS did not say a word when someone threatened Igbos to leave Lagos. It appears there is a selective reaction when it comes to ethnic-based threats in Nigeria. This selective enforcement of the law is unacceptable and dangerous for our nation,” HURIWA declared.

The association further argued that the inconsistency in responses to such threats could embolden others to make similar inflammatory statements without fear of repercussions. “What stops the DSS from arresting the person who said Igbos should leave Lagos? This inconsistency is detrimental to national unity and security. We demand that the DSS take action against all individuals who make such threats, regardless of their ethnic background,” HURIWA asserted.

HURIWA also suggested that Sunnberger might be suffering from a psychological disorder, given the extreme nature of her statements. The association recommended that she undergo a thorough psychiatric evaluation to determine her mental state.

“There is no justification for what Sunnberger said, and she may be a psychopath who needs psychiatric assessment. However, if she is found to be mentally sound, she must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law for her very stupid and dangerous statements,” HURIWA added.

The association acknowledged that President Bola Tinubu made a commendable comment on the threat against Igbos during his End Bad Governance Protest broadcast. However, HURIWA pointed out that there was no specific directive given to the police or DSS to pursue those responsible for the threats.

“While we appreciate the President’s acknowledgment of the threats against Igbos, it is incumbent upon him to give explicit instructions to the relevant security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone promoting hatred and trying to instigate genocide,” HURIWA urged.

In conclusion, HURIWA called for a unified and just approach to dealing with all forms of ethnic-based threats and hate speech in Nigeria. The association reiterated that both Sunnberger and those who threatened Igbos in Lagos should be arrested and brought to trial. This is crucial not only for maintaining national security but also for upholding the principles of justice and equality before the law.

“We cannot afford to have a situation where people are allowed to incite violence and hatred with impunity. The law must be applied equally to all, regardless of ethnic background. HURIWA stands firm in its demand for justice, and we will continue to advocate for a Nigeria where all citizens are safe and protected,” the association concluded.

Update news