Foundation For Environmental Rights,Advocacy & Development - Fenrad-Nigeria

PRESS RELEASE
13th May 2026

FENRAD Condemns Alleged Barbaric Assault, Intimidation, and Humiliation of Residents by Police Officers in Ukwunwangwu. Uturu in Okigwe Abia State; A Call for investigation and prosecution

The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) a prominent and Frontline civil society organization and public accountability Watchdog strongly condemns the reported acts of brutality, intimidation, harassment, and degrading treatment allegedly perpetrated by officers attached to the Nigeria Police Force, Ukwunwangwu Uturu Division, in Uturu. Okigwe Abia state

✳️FENRAD expresses deep concern over the increasing reports of unlawful arrests, extortion, public humiliation, violent assault, and intimidation of innocent residents, particularly young people within the Uturu community.

These disturbing allegations, if left unchecked, threaten public trust in law enforcement institutions and undermine the constitutional rights and dignity of citizens.

It is unacceptable that residents who should ordinarily feel protected by security agencies now allegedly live in fear of harassment and abuse from those entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding lives and property. The recurring complaints of police misconduct in Uturu paint a troubling picture of abuse of authority, excessive use of force, and disregard for human rights and the rule of law.

✳️FENRAD particularly condemns every form of:
☑️lIlegal extortion and unauthorized roadblocks;

✅Brutal assault and degrading treatment of residents;

✅Arbitrary arrests and unlawful detention;
Intimidation and profiling of youths based on appearance, possession of phones, laptops, vehicles, or personal lifestyle;

Threats, harassment, and abuse of power by security personnel.

The Foundation reiterates that no citizen should be subjected to torture, humiliation, or unlawful treatment contrary to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Police Act 2020, the Anti-Torture Act, and other relevant human rights instruments binding on law enforcement agencies.

FENRAD therefore calls on the Abia State Police Command and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to urgently:

☑️Launch an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations against officers attached to the Uturu Division;

✅Identify and sanction any personnel found culpable of misconduct, brutality, extortion, or human rights violations

☑️Dismantle all illegal checkpoints and extortion points within the area;

✅Ensure strict compliance with professional policing standards and human rights principles;

☑️Restore public confidence through accountability, responsible policing, and community engagement.

☑️FENRAD further urges residents and victims of abuse to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and to document incidents responsibly through lawful channels while demanding justice.

Security agencies must understand that effective policing can only thrive where there is mutual respect, public trust, professionalism, and accountability.

The use of violence, fear, and intimidation against innocent citizens has no place in a democratic society.

The people of Uturu and indeed all residents of Abia State deserve security, justice, dignity, and protection — not oppression and brutality.

FENRAD remains committed to promoting human rights, justice, accountability, and responsible governance across Nigeria.

Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD)
Tel; 08033383708, 07062949232
Email; [email protected]
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 19th April 2026

Amakama Killings: FENRAD Demands Justice as Vigilante Member Allegedly Murders Girlfriend, Injures Two in Abia

Umuahia/ Abia State
✳️The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a frontline civil society organization and public accountability watchdog, strongly condemns the gruesome killing of Ezinne Ariwodo in Amakama Community, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State.

The tragic incident was allegedly carried out by a vigilante member, Chinedu Anamelechi, who is currently at large.
According to media reports, the suspect allegedly shot Ms. Ariwodo dead before attacking two other individuals—her sister and another young man—both of whom sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment. This horrific incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns over the unchecked activities of some vigilante operatives.

📍FENRAD describes the incident as a “horrific and unacceptable act of violence that exposes dangerous gaps in the regulation and oversight of community-based security structures

📍This tragedy is a painful reminder that weapons in the hands of unregulated individuals pose a grave threat to public safety. The killing of Ezinne Ariwodo must not go unanswered. Justice must be swift, transparent, and decisive.”
FENRAD calls on the Abia State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to immediately launch a comprehensive investigation, ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspect, and prosecute all those found culpable.
The organization warns that failure to act decisively could erode public trust and embolden further abuses by loosely regulated vigilante groups.
FENRAD Urges Authorities To:

🔘Enforce strict regulation and proper registration of vigilante groups

🔘Mandate human rights and weapons-handling training

🔘Establish independent oversight and accountability mechanisms

🔘Strengthen collaboration with formal security agencies

🔘Introduce community-based early warning systems

🔘Provide mandatory mental health screening for security personnel

🔘Intensify public education on non-violence and conflict resolution

⚫FENRAD also calls for immediate medical and psychosocial support for the injured victims and extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.

◼️We stand with the family of Ezin Ariwodo and the people of Amakama in this moment of grief.

◼️The organization commends the Abia State Government and the Nigeria Police Force, Abia State Command, for their swift response so far, and urges them to ensure justice is served while putting mechanisms in place to prevent future occurrences.

📍FENRAD reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advocating for human rights, accountability, and the protection of lives and property across Nigeria.

📌Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director, FENRAD Nigeria
Tel: 08033383708 | 07062949232
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]