The Nigerian Bar Association, Human Rights Institute, respectfully brings to your esteemed office a grave matter of alleged human rights violation arising from the destruction of the residential property of Mr. and Mrs. Ike Austin, indigenes of Umualumaku Umuneke Mbieri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State.
According to the petition before us, the couple had almost completed their residential building when, in the early hours of 12th January 2025, a heavy bomb blast reportedly preceded by the sound of a helicopter hovering in the vicinity, maliciously destroyed their property. The incident also affected neighboring houses, shattered windows, damaged roofs, and caused widespread fear within the community.
This tragic occurrence was extensively reported by both local and national media outlets. Despite formal reports to the Nigeria Police Force and subsequent visits to the scene, no conclusive findings have been communicated to the victims. To date, accountability for the bomb blast remains unresolved, while the couple, who had invested their life savings into the property, remain displaced, distressed, and financially devastated.
In view of the seriousness of this matter, the Nigerian Bar Association, Human Rights Institute most respectfully requests that:
A comprehensive and transparent investigation be conducted by the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army to establish the true cause, responsible parties, and circumstances surrounding the blast.
Public accountability measures be instituted to reassure affected citizens and prevent recurrence of such devastating incidents. According to the community witnesses, it was reported that shortly before the blast, the sound of a helicopter was heard hovering over the vicinity.
This circumstance has understandably raised concerns and questions among the residents, some of whom suspect possible military involvement. While we cannot at this stage make definitive claims, we believe it is only fair and just that the Nigerian Army, as the constitutionally empowered authority to handle such equipments, should help the Nigerian Police Force to conducts a transparent investigation to establish the truth, clear any doubts, and assure citizens of its continued commitment to the protection of civilian lives and property.
Where responsibility is established, the victims be granted adequate compensation and restitution, in line with Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations, to restore their dignity, livelihood, and sense of justice.
The Nigerian Bar Association firmly believes that prompt intervention on this matter will not only address the plight of the victims but also strengthen public confidence in the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the protection of civilian lives and property.
We request to receive a response from your esteemed office at the earliest possible time, given the urgency and humanitarian nature of this matter, believing that you will do the needful.
Signed:
Sabastine Anyia Esq.
Chairman, NBA Human Rights Institute & 1st Vice President, NBA
For: Nigerian Bar Association
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