The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria HURIWA has called on the Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa to implement effective measures to stop the dehumanizing treatment Towards travellers in the South East region at military roadblocks.
HURIWA in a statement by its national coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, commended General Musa’s decision to appoint a senior advisor on human rights, which indicates his inclination towards respecting citizens’ and armed forces members’ human rights and adherence to the rule of law.
The right group advocates for collaborative partnerships between security agencies and credible civil rights advocacy groups in Nigeria, with a view to carrying along the civil populace in supporting internal security operations and counter-terrorism efforts.
HURIWA addressed challenges faced by travellers within the South East region who have been subjected to unconstitutional acts such as being forced out of their vehicles at checkpoints while raising their hands like slaves without any proper search conducted.
Accordingly, HURIWA emphasizes that it is necessary for military operatives manning roadblocks across South East geopolitical zone not only to observe rules of engagement but also respect universal human rights laws enshrined in international conventions such as those provisions contained in Chapter Four of Nigeria’s Constitution.
The group supported NUJ Abia State Council’s recent condemnation of continuous humiliation meted out on passengers at some military checkpoints across major highways within Southeastern states.
The group urges other service chiefs including Inspector-General Police (IGP), Director-General Department Security Service (DSS) among others under General Musa’s leadership to adopt intelligence-based strategies rather than discriminative or dehumanizing means when combating insecurity issues across all sections irrespective ethnic affiliations or religious beliefs.