The Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Governors of the South East to reintroduce the Bakassi Boys to deal with the insecurity in the area.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, who made this call while briefing the press on Thursday, expressed worry over the “ killings and human-threatening activities” in the South East especially in Anambra State.
He noted that since the existing security measures in place, including the establishment of state-wide vigilantes, have proven insufficient to bring about the defeat of the armed men terrorising people in Anambra State, there is a need for the south-east government to consider re-introducing the dreaded Bakassi Boys.
He, however, suggested that the Bakassi Boys should be trained, armed, and subject to strict regulations that adhere to the rule of law to enable them to confront South-East-based terror gangs that have been killing innocent Igbo people who are simply carrying out their legitimate duties.
“We call on the governor of Anambra state Mr. Charles Chukwuma Soludo to consult the defunct leadership of old Bakassi Boys in Anambra State to provide strategic guidelines for the new Bakassi Boys to adhere to so as to degrade, decimate and liquidate these armed terrorists, kidnappers, hoodlums unleashing violence of massive scales in all of South East of Nigeria but more especially in Anambra State.
“Attacks on the residents of Anambra is a well crafted plots by enemies of Ndigbo to destroy massive infrastructural development put in place by the good people of Anambra state and we think there is a plot to destabilise South-East and unfortunately the foot soldiers doing all these are from Anambra State,” he said.
Onwubiko, who lamented that bandits and terrorists have also continued their attacks in Northern Nigeria, called on the citizens to report any crimes or illegal activities to the appropriate authorities so as to help in maintaining public order and safety.
“By promptly notifying law enforcement or relevant agencies about suspicious or unlawful actions, citizens play a crucial role in preventing crime, apprehending offenders, and safeguarding their communities.
“This proactive engagement helps ensure that justice is served and deters potential criminal activity, fostering a secure and orderly environment. Active citizen participation in reporting crimes not only supports the rule of law but also strengthens community trust and collaboration with law enforcement,” he said.
Onwubiko advocated for the establishment of state police forces, but with stricter guidelines to prevent abuses of power by governors.
Additionally, he called for the appointment of a more effective, efficient, and younger Inspector General of Police (IGP) to oversee the country’s internal security.
“President Tinubu should realise that the Nigeria Police has collapsed and lacks the capacity to carry out internal security. Nigeria needs state police with greater guidelines blocking abuses by governors. Nigeria’s federal police need an effective, efficient and younger IGP.
“The idea of retaining a man who is above 60 as IGP because he is a political acolyte of President Tinubu as the IGP is counter productive. We need a hardworking, young, focused, patriotic and pan Nigerian IGP,” he said.