The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, to urgently address the growing fears among the people and residents of Onuimo Local Council in Imo State following widespread rumours of planned aerial bombardments by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA expressed deep concern over reports suggesting that the Nigerian military might conduct air raids targeting communities in the area under the pretext of anti-terror operations.

The group noted that these rumours have caused mass panic among residents, leading to the displacement of over 45 per cent of the population, who have fled their homes in fear.

HURIWA warned that if these unverified but alarming rumours are not promptly addressed by Defence Headquarters, they could lead to a total breakdown of peace and stability in the region, resulting in severe humanitarian consequences for innocent and law-abiding Nigerians.

“HURIWA has received credible reports that communities in and around Onuimo Council, near Okigwe in Imo State, are experiencing widespread hysteria and insecurity due to the rumoured military bombardment,” the statement read.

“As we speak, more than 45 per cent of the residents of these towns and villages have evacuated out of fear for their lives. Schools are closing, markets are deserted, and economic activities have come to a standstill. This situation is completely unacceptable and must not be allowed to persist,” Onwubiko said.

HURIWA further stated that the Defence Headquarters and the Chief of Defence Staff owe Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable and already traumatised communities in the South-East, a public assurance that no military bombardment will target innocent civilians .

According to the rights body, “The Nigerian military is constitutionally mandated to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity, uphold peace and security, and safeguard the civilian population, not to instill fear in them.”

The group cautioned that allowing such dangerous rumours to spread unchecked could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and foster unnecessary tension and mistrust between the civilian population and the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.