South-East Nigeria – Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in South-East Nigeria accuse security agencies of operational bias. The groups, including RULAAC, SWAG Initiative, and Nchekwa Ndi Ogbenye Foundation, state that security forces target Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) activists with swift action. Conversely, they claim armed herdsmen responsible for violent attacks often face no consequences. This alleged security bias raises concerns about equal justice.
The CSOs have documented attacks across the five South-East states. These include killings, kidnappings, and farm destruction. They criticized state and federal authorities for failing to protect all citizens as required by the constitution.
“Contrasting Inertia”: Claims of Selective Enforcement
The CSOs highlighted what they term selective law enforcement. “While law enforcement agencies routinely undertake swift and heavily armed operations against alleged IPOB/ESN camps, we observe with alarm the contrasting inertia with which they respond or fail to respond to the persistent and violent incursions by armed herdsmen,” the CSOs stated. They argue this difference shows an security bias.
They cited recent attacks in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states. These attacks caused significant community losses and displacement with little state intervention, according to the CSOs. This inaction, compared to operations against alleged IPOB members, further suggests an security bias.
Urgent Demands for Action
The CSOs made several urgent demands:
- Equitable enforcement of laws for all.
- Investigation and prosecution of all violent perpetrators.
- Demilitarization of civilian areas in the South-East.
- Regional security summits to address the violence.
“Our people deserve the protection of the law and the fairness of its application,” the CSOs asserted. “The continued failure of state and federal institutions to confront this threat undermines the integrity of our democracy and the rule of law.” They also called for oversight and legal aid for victims of herdsmen attacks and unlawful detentions.
By Abiodun Labi
