Politics
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has said that the reported recovery of 28 human skulls and other human remains from suspected criminal camps in Umuaku and Nneato forests in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State demands urgent and coordinated action from the South-East governors.
HURIWA said the discovery exposed the grave security threat facing communities in the region and reinforces the need for the governors to work together to protect lives and property.
HURIWA urged the six South-East governors to develop a common regional strategy against kidnapping, terrorism, armed criminal gangs and other violent threats.
The association said the governors must strengthen intelligence sharing, coordinate security operations and support security agencies with credible information and logistics needed to dismantle criminal hideouts across the region.
HURIWA opined that the security challenge also threatens the economic future of the South-East.
The association warned that no region can attract investment, create jobs or achieve sustainable development when citizens fear travelling, farming, doing business or returning home because of insecurity.
HURIWA therefore urged the governors to treat security and economic development as interconnected priorities and work together to create a safer environment for businesses and citizens.
HURIWA also said armed vigilante groups must operate strictly to protect lives and property.
The association warns the governors against turning vigilantes into political foot soldiers or instruments for settling political differences.
HURIWA says community-based security groups can complement conventional security agencies, but authorities must subject them to clear rules of engagement, proper training, accountability and respect for human rights.
The association welcomed the prospect of state police and says properly structured state policing could improve the capacity of governments to confront kidnappers, terrorists and other armed criminal groups.
HURIWA, however, demanded strong constitutional and institutional safeguards to prevent governors and other political actors from abusing state police for partisan purposes.
The association said state police must protect citizens, not political interests.
It also called on residents across the South-East to support legitimate security operations by providing credible intelligence about suspicious movements, criminal activities and suspected hideouts.
The association urged the Abia State Police Command and other relevant agencies to conduct a thorough forensic investigation into the recovered human remains, identify the victims and establish the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
HURIWA said the families of missing persons deserve answers and that security agencies must pursue every credible lead that can identify the victims and bring those responsible to justice.
The association said the reported discovery of human remains should not become another news cycle that quickly disappears from public attention.
HURIWA demands sustained security operations against criminal camps and stronger cooperation between the governors, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents.
HURIWA said a safe and secure South-East remains imperative for economic advancement, investment, employment and sustainable development.
The association therefore urged the South-East governors to put aside political differences and work collectively to restore security and public confidence across the region.
A.I
Sept. 30, 2026
Tags: HURIWA