The prominent civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has called on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, to urgently allay the growing fears of the people and residents of Onuimo Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State following widespread and unsettling rumours of planned aerial bombardments by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
HURIWA expressed deep concern over the distressing reports circulating within and beyond Onuimo LGA that the Nigerian military was allegedly planning to conduct air raids targeting communities in the area under the guise of anti-terror operations, warning that if such unverified but alarming rumours, are left unaddressed by the Defence Headquarters, it could lead to a complete breakdown of peace and stability in the affected area and result in further humanitarian consequences for innocent and law-abiding Nigerians.
A statement by its National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, on Tuesday said that the situation has observably, triggered mass panic among residents, leading to the displacement of over 45 percent of the population, who have fled their homes and communities out of fear for their lives.
“HURIWA is inundated with credible reports that communities in and around Onuimo LGA, situated near Okigwe are gripped by mass hysteria and insecurity due to the rumoured military bombardment of the area. As we speak, more than 45% of the residents of these towns and villages have evacuated in fear of their lives. Schools are shutting down, markets are deserted, and economic activities are grinding to a halt. This is completely unacceptable and must not be allowed to fester any further.
“We urge the Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, and the Defence Headquarters to come forward publicly to deny or confirm these k rumours. If there are no such plans, then a strong, clear, and reassuring message should be sent out immediately to the residents of Onuimo LGA to allay their fears and encourage them to return home.”
HURIWA stated emphatically that the Defence Headquarters and the Chief of Defence Staff owe Nigerians—especially the vulnerable and already traumatised communities of the South East—a clear and public assurance that no military bombardment will be carried out against innocent civilians.
“The Nigerian military was constitutionally established to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity, uphold peace and security, and protect the civilian population—not to instill fear in them. These communities are not enemy combatants. They are not hiding terrorists or harbouring threats to the Nigerian state. They are ordinary citizens—farmers, traders, schoolchildren, and artisans—who have lived for generations in peace. Any rumour or perceived threat of bombardment must be swiftly dispelled by the authorities so that they can return to their lawful and legitimate businesses,” the statement stressed.
