HURIWA Applauds Rivers State for Tackling LGA Arson, Slams Police Over Security Failures

|By Adejumo Adekunle –

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has praised the Rivers State Government for its decisive action in probing the wave of arson attacks on Local Government Area (LGA) Secretariats. This recognition comes as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, led by Hon. Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, nears the conclusion of its month-long investigation.

The attacks, which erupted shortly after successful local government elections, were labeled by HURIWA as a direct threat to democracy. The Commission, inaugurated by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has actively conducted on-site assessments in severely impacted LGAs, including Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua, uncovering extensive damage caused by explosions, arson, and looting.

Justice Minakiri reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency, urging cooperation from local councils and communities. Eleme LGA was among the worst-hit, with its headquarters rendered nearly inoperable, while Ikwerre and Emohua also suffered significant structural and operational setbacks.

In a scathing critique, HURIWA condemned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for withdrawing police security from affected LGAs just before the violence erupted, describing it as a “gross dereliction of duty” and an “unconstitutional act” that emboldened the perpetrators.

The group called for full accountability to prevent future occurrences, while expressing hope that the Commission’s final report would be impartial and decisive in addressing these democratic threats.