A civil rights group, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), has backed the recent report by Amnesty International on rising insecurity and human rights abuses in Nigeria’s South-East.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD said the Amnesty report reflects the true situation in the region, especially with regard to extrajudicial killings, unlawful arrests, and general breakdown of security.
“The findings of Amnesty International reaffirm the reality on the ground—our people continue to suffer untold hardships due to insecurity and rights violations,” Nwafor stated.
FENRAD blamed both state and non-state actors for the worsening crisis. According to the group, security agencies have contributed through excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, and prolonged detentions. On the other hand, armed groups and vigilante factions have also carried out violent attacks, leading to more instability.
The group further said the continued detention of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has worsened tensions and deepened the feeling of marginalization in the South-East. It described his incarceration as a major factor fueling violence and militancy in the region.
FENRAD called for urgent collaboration between the government, civil society, traditional leaders, and international partners to address the root causes of the crisis.
The organisation also restated its commitment to:
– Supporting victims of violence with legal and psychological help
– Promoting peaceful dialogue and community healing
– Ensuring accountability for rights violations
– Advocating for security policies that respect human dignity
FENRAD urged the Nigerian government, security agencies, and all stakeholders to do more to protect lives, uphold human rights, and bring lasting peace to the South-East.
