By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has raised an alarm over what it described as escalating political violence and suppression of opposition activities in Ideato North and Ideato South Local Government Areas of Imo State.

In a statement dated April 29, 2026 and signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the group alleged that democratic freedoms were being undermined through intimidation and force.

“What is unfolding in Imo State is not merely a political disagreement—it is a dangerous descent into lawlessness, where democratic freedoms are being systematically eroded through force, fear, and impunity,” the statement read.

HURIWA called on Governor Hope Uzodinma to “immediately rise to the constitutional responsibilities of his office by guaranteeing the safety, rights, and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.”

“The Governor must not preside over a system where dissent is treated as a crime and opposition voices are violently silenced,” the group added.

The organisation cited “credible and consistent reports” alleging that supporters linked to a political group associated with Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere had faced repeated attacks.

“We are deeply troubled by… reports indicating that supporters of a rising political formation… have been subjected to repeated violent attacks, harassment, and intimidation allegedly perpetrated by armed individuals operating under the guise of vigilantes,” HURIWA stated.

It further alleged attempts to disrupt political gatherings, noting that “armed thugs” were deployed to “seize venues, disrupt events, and even destroy property belonging to citizens engaged in constitutionally protected political activities.”

Describing such actions as unconstitutional, the group stressed that “the Constitution… guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and participation in governance.”

“Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom government derives all its powers and legitimacy,” the statement added, warning that any attempt to suppress these rights is “null, void, unconstitutional, and illegal.”

HURIWA also referenced findings by Amnesty International concerning alleged abuses at the police anti-kidnapping unit known as “Tiger Base” in Owerri.

“The report paints a horrifying picture of entrenched human rights abuses, including prolonged arbitrary detention, systematic torture, extortion, enforced disappearances, and detention in life-threatening conditions,” it said.

The group called for “an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation” into the allegations, urging authorities to prosecute any officers found culpable.

HURIWA appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, and the Minister of Defence to “act swiftly and decisively to safeguard lives, protect property, and ensure that constitutional rights are upheld.”

It further demanded “an immediate cessation of all violent attacks,” withdrawal of armed groups from political spaces, and protection of lawful assemblies.

“Nigeria must not be allowed to slide into a state where political competition is replaced with coercion, and where the rule of law is subordinated to the rule of might,” the statement said.

The group warned that continued violence could undermine democratic governance, insisting that “the people of Imo State… must not be denied their democratic rights by any individual or authority.”