Killing of pregnant woman, 4 kids, unborn baby in Anambra, pure terrorism, not ethnic agenda — HURIWA

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the reported massacre, by gunmen in Anambra State, of a pregnant woman, her unborn baby and her four kids.

HURIWA described the killings as most gruesome and despicable crude terrorism of the 21st century which must be attended to swiftly with every might that Anambra State and federal governments could muster.

HURIWA, in a statement by its National coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, called on governors of the South East region to, as a matter of extreme urgency, take transparent steps to stamp out this emerging terrorism which was capable of instigating civil strife across ethnicities.

“We urge Igbo governors to act swiftly because the killing of these innocent souls is beginning to take ethnic dimension, especially after the Ebonyi State governor, Dave Umahi, appeared on television to mention the unknown gunmen as being Igbo, even without providing any shreds of forensic evidence.”

The group said it was suggesting that there should be a security meeting between South East governors and governors of Northern region so that steps could be taken urgently to make it very clear that no sane person is supporting any acts of terrorism.

HURIWA also condemned the mass murders on Sunday in Anambra State, following the killing of seven persons in various locations in the state. Out of the number, four were siblings. Their mother was also among the dead.

The attack took place at Isiulo in Orumba North Council. The other two persons were killed at Abatete in Idemili North council.

HURIWA recalled that the gunmen invaded the areas, opened fire on the victims and left, showing that there was no ethnic colouration but pure act of terrorism which must be stamped out by, first and foremost, bringing the perpetrators to face the stiffest penalties.

“HURIWA is once more asking the Governor of Anambra State to urge his brother governors of the South East to work out regional strategies for stamping out this emerging terrorism which has nothing to do with any sort of political agitation,” the statement added.