By ABDULKABIR MUHAMMED

A human rights and environmental justice organization, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), has condemned the recent killings of 13 Ebonyi indigenes in Ogboji Community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Recall that no fewer than 13 people reportedly lost their lives to some unknown hoodlums in Anambra on Monday, 30th June, 2025. In a press release dated July 5, 2025, and signed by the Executive Director of the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD describes the killing as “brutal and senseless” and a violation of the people’s rights to life and dignity.

“The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a leading human rights and environmental justice organization, strongly condemns in unequivocal terms the brutal and senseless killing of 13 innocent Ebonyi indigenes, in Ogboji Community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“FENRAD is deeply saddened and outraged by this gruesome act, which represents a gross violation of the victims’ right to life, dignity, and safety as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.”

The human rights and environmental justice organization is demanding an immediate collaborative investigation into the issue. The group also prayed that the victims’ families be compensated, and an establishment of peacebuilding measures.

Below are FENRAD’s demands:

Immediate Investigation: FENRAD calls on the Inspector General of Police, the Director of State Security Services, and other relevant law enforcement authorities to launch a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the killings and bring all perpetrators to justice without delay.

Interstate Collaboration: We urge the Governors of Anambra and Ebonyi States to jointly set up an independent judicial panel of inquiry to ascertain the remote and immediate causes of this violence and recommend appropriate actions.

Compensation for Families: The families of the deceased deserve justice and reparations. FENRAD calls on the federal and Anambra State governments to provide adequate compensation and psychological support to the affected families.

Peacebuilding Measures: We call for proactive peacebuilding and conflict prevention initiatives in border communities, especially in areas prone to communal tension and violence. Security presence must be enhanced while respecting human rights and community relations.

Prosecution, Not Rhetoric: While condolence messages are appreciated, what Nigerians demand is accountability. Those responsible for this atrocity must be apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Strengthen Early Warning and Early Response Mechanisms

Government agencies, civil society, and community leaders should collaborate to establish early warning and rapid response systems in border communities to detect and prevent violent incidents before they escalate.

Community Sensitization and Dialogue Forums

Launch inter-community dialogue and reconciliation forums between Ebonyi and Anambra border communities to rebuild trust, promote peaceful coexistence, and address underlying tensions or land disputes fueling violence.

Deployment of Neutral Security Forces

The federal government should deploy well-trained, impartial security operatives (such as mobile police or civil defense corps) to flashpoints—ensuring presence without bias to any community involved.

Legislative Oversight and Public Hearing

The National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly of both Ebonyi and Anambra should institute joint oversight investigations or public hearings to expose failures in security intelligence and community protection.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Intervention

The NHRC should immediately undertake a fact-finding mission to the affected area and publish a public report with recommendations for justice and compensation.

Victim Support Fund

Create a special fund under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management or Anambra State Government to support the families of the victims with livelihood assistance, psychosocial care, and educational support for children of the deceased.

Media and Public Accountability

Encourage responsible media coverage of the incident to ensure continued public attention and pressure on authorities, while avoiding inciting rhetoric that could deepen inter-communal tensions.

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) commiserates with the victims and the Anambra State Government over the brutal incidents.

Their words: “The victims, reported to be traders and local laborers on legitimate business in Anambra State, were heinously attacked and killed under circumstances that remain deeply troubling and suspicious. We join the bereaved families, the government and people of Ebonyi State, and all well-meaning Nigerians in mourning this terrible loss.”