Archbishop cries out, accuses military/FG of committing genocide in Imo State

DDM News

The Archbishop of Orlu Diocese in Imo State, Archbishop Augustine Ukwuoma, has raised a serious alarm over what he calls genocidal actions by the Nigerian military, state and federal government against the people of Imo State.

In a distressing viral video, the Archbishop detailed the tragic circumstances that many communities in Imo State are currently facing.

He accused the Nigerian military, which is supposed to protect citizens, of terrorizing the populace and contributing to widespread destruction and displacement.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), in its coverage of the incident, gathered this information from the viral video shared by the Archbishop.

The video, which quickly gained traction on social media, shows Archbishop Ukwuoma passionately explaining the suffering of his people.

He provided firsthand accounts of the situation, recounting reports from local communities who have been directly affected by the military’s actions.

The media outlet’s investigation into the claims corroborated the Archbishop’s account, revealing widespread devastation and the abandonment of several villages, further underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Archbishop Ukwuoma’s accusations are grounded in the reports he has received from numerous communities in the region, where military operations have reportedly caused havoc.

Many villages and towns have been completely abandoned, as civilians flee from the relentless assault by uniformed men.

According to the Archbishop, it is difficult to differentiate these military forces from insurgent groups like Boko Haram.

He expressed disbelief that the Nigerian Army, which is tasked with defending the country and ensuring the safety of its citizens, would turn its weapons against innocent civilians.

The Archbishop has questioned whether the military, in its current operations, truly represents the Nigerian Army or whether it is operating as a foreign or terrorist force.

The viral video, which has captured the attention of the public, shows Archbishop Ukwuoma emotionally lamenting the dire situation.

He emphasized that the people of Imo State are facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions, with many dying due to the ongoing military actions.

In his words, he made an impassioned plea for the intervention of not only Nigerians but also international organizations, calling for immediate action to halt the violence and prevent further loss of life.

One of the Archbishop’s most striking statements was the revelation that military personnel were heard issuing commands in Hausa, a language commonly spoken in Northern Nigeria, while setting fires in the area.

Archbishop Ukwuoma remarked that the soldiers seemed to believe the locals did not understand Hausa, which is not true in many parts of Imo State.

The Archbishop’s revelation has raised serious concerns about the intent behind these actions and whether the military is deliberately targeting communities that are perceived as hostile or simply attempting to intimidate the local population through language and violence.

This accusation of military and governmental misconduct in Imo State comes at a time when religious and civic leaders across Nigeria have increasingly raised alarms about the abuse of power by security forces.

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a growing number of human rights violations committed by the military, with Amnesty International reporting numerous incidents of excessive force used against protesters and civilians.

These violations have included killings, arbitrary arrests, and the destruction of homes and properties. The military’s heavy-handed approach in the region has fueled fears that such actions could amount to war crimes or even genocide.

This accusation also echoes concerns raised by other human rights organizations and religious leaders. For example, in 2022, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) condemned the actions of the Nigerian military in Imo State, specifically accusing them of committing atrocities such as bombing villages, burning markets, and displacing entire communities.

These allegations were seen as evidence of a systematic campaign of violence against civilians that cannot be justified under any circumstances.

Furthermore, in 2020, Bishop William Avenya of the Gboko Diocese testified before the U.S. Congress, stating that the ongoing killings of Christians in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region met the criteria for genocide.

His testimony highlighted the frequency and brutality of the attacks on Christian communities, particularly in the context of Boko Haram insurgencies and Fulani herdsmen attacks.

Bishop Avenya’s remarks were supported by various international human rights groups, who called for increased global attention and intervention to protect Nigerian civilians from such violence.

The situation in Imo State is a reflection of a larger, ongoing crisis in Nigeria, where ethnic and religious violence has become increasingly common.

Security forces, local militias, and insurgent groups have all been implicated in a series of violent acts that continue to affect civilians, leaving communities in chaos.

Despite international outcry, these violations often go unpunished, and victims are left without justice.

The Archbishop’s call for intervention is not just a plea for help from the international community but a stark reminder of the urgent need for reforms in the Nigerian military and government.

He has called for an independent investigation into the military actions, urging both national and international bodies to hold those responsible accountable.

In conclusion, Archbishop Ukwuoma’s urgent appeal underscores the gravity of the situation in Imo State, where military operations are reportedly contributing to the deaths and displacement of civilians.

The world is watching, and it is crucial that both local and international communities take a stand against the alleged atrocities being committed in the region.

With the Archbishop’s heartfelt plea, it is clear that more action is needed to address this growing humanitarian crisis and ensure that the people of Imo State are protected and justice is served.

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