HURIWA Demands Uzodinma’s Resignation After Reported Attack Near FUTO

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, to step aside or temporarily hand over governance to his deputy following a reported deadly attack around the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) community.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group alleged that heavily armed attackers invaded areas surrounding the university on Wednesday night, causing panic among students and residents.

HURIWA claimed that over 50 armed men operating on motorcycles stormed the Eziobodo and Ihiagwa communities near FUTO, firing gunshots and forcing students to flee hostels and nearby residential areas.

The group further alleged that some residents were injured while others were reportedly kidnapped during the attack, although security agencies have yet to officially confirm casualty figures or the identities of those responsible.

According to HURIWA, the incident exposed what it described as the worsening security situation in Imo State and the alleged failure of security agencies to prevent violent attacks despite the heavy presence of military and police checkpoints across the state.

The organisation accused Governor Uzodinma of being distracted by national politics and President Bola Tinubu’s reported 2027 re-election mobilisation efforts.

“Our proposal is that Governor Hope Uzodinma should quit or take a long vacation and empower his deputy to fully provide governance in Imo State,” the group stated.

HURIWA also criticised the Nigerian Army, the Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing them of focusing more attention on operations against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) while failing to address violent attacks and insecurity in parts of the state.

The group alleged that armed criminals had established hideouts in forests across Imo State and urged the government to strengthen intelligence gathering, regulate cattle ownership, abolish open grazing in urban communities, and intensify surveillance operations.

Residents and students around the university community reportedly remained in fear following the incident, with some fleeing the area over safety concerns.

Social media users also reacted to the development, describing scenes of panic and confusion around the university environment during the attack.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Imo State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement regarding the alleged attack.