Group Condemns Coordinated Arson in Rivers LGA Council Headquarters

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the security agencies’ handling of the recent coordinated arson attacks on local council headquarters in Rivers State.

The pro-democracy group has accused the Rivers State Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS) of negligence, alleging that their failure to act on intelligence allowed the attacks to transpire.

HURIWA has pointed fingers at political and economic saboteurs behind the incidents that unfolded in the Ikwerre Local Government Area.

“The perpetrators should be classified as terrorists,” emphasized HURIWA, urging the DSS to “apprehend those accountable” and to enforce counter-terrorism legislation to mitigate further threats to public infrastructure.

In a statement issued on October 7, 2024, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, deplored the inaction of security forces.

“The initial withdrawal of police services during Saturday’s local government election was a significant error, widely criticized by the Nigerian Bar Association and other stakeholders,” stated Onwubiko.

The assaults on the council secretariat occurred merely 24 hours after Governor Sim Fubara inaugurated 23 chairmen elected in the local government polls.

Videos and images depicting the aftermath, illustrating the devastation of the newly constructed section of the council building, have circulated extensively on social media.

HURIWA urged Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to guarantee the apprehension of the culprits, cautioning that any ongoing subversion by political terrorists could destabilize Rivers State.

“The Inspector General must promptly take action to capture the wrongdoers. Any further subversion could throw Rivers into turmoil,” cautioned the group.

They also underscored the necessity for politicians to pursue peace and uphold the rule of law. “Politicians must exhibit restraint and reverence for the rule of law. Any compromise in the integrity of law enforcement could result in widespread anarchy,” HURIWA articulated.

The police have yet to issue an official statement on the incident, and the magnitude of the destruction remains uncertain.

The rights group concluded by urging the DSS and police to escalate efforts in safeguarding public properties and preventing further acts of violence by politically motivated factions.

The recent spate of coordinated arson attacks on local council headquarters in Rivers State has raised significant concerns about the security situation in the region.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has rightfully condemned the negligence of security agencies, particularly the Rivers State Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS), in preventing these destructive incidents.

It is imperative for the authorities to swiftly address the root causes of such attacks and apprehend those responsible. The classification of the perpetrators as terrorists by HURIWA underscores the severity of the situation and the urgent need for decisive action.

The enforcement of counter-terrorism legislation is crucial to prevent similar threats to public infrastructure in the future.
The call for Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure the apprehension of the culprits is a step towards restoring peace and stability in Rivers State.

Political terrorists must be held accountable for their actions to prevent further destabilization of the region. The emphasis on upholding the rule of law and promoting peaceful political engagement is essential to avoid descending into chaos.

In light of these events, it is paramount for the security forces to enhance their efforts in safeguarding public properties and preventing any future acts of violence instigated by politically motivated factions.

Collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations like HURIWA are crucial in maintaining peace and security in Rivers State.