Ebonyi Disbands Group For Human Rights Violation

The Ebonyi Government has disbanded a group, alleged to have been engaging in violation of human rights and dehumanising practices in the Ikwo Local Government Area of the state.

The group, known as Elugwu Ettam Caretaker Committee, was said to have recently stripped 11 men and women naked, beaten them up and paraded them in public for allegedly engaging in witchcraft.

Mrs. Ede Nwali, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Law Centre, made the announcement in Abakaliki on Tuesday while briefing newsmen.

She said the committee engaged in massive violation

of human rights and other dehumanising acts, prompting the government to dissolve it.

Nwali said the government also banned the leader of the group, Ezekiel Nwekoyo, from holding any public office because of his role in the acts.

“It is disheartening that a group of men over an unverified allegation, would subject a pregnant woman to frog-jump under intense sun.

“It is also disheartening that they spread irritating weeds on her naked body to a point that she has to collapse, leading to her death while in forced labour,” she said.

Nwali also described as heartless, an act where the same group of men under the guise of interrogation would push a stick into another man’s anus for him to confess to a crime he might know nothing about.

Meanwhile, the suspects had been whisked away by some security personnel at the end of a court sitting at the Ebonyi Family Law Court for further interrogation.

Governor Martin Elechi while apologising to the victims during the swearing in ceremony of Chairmen of councils in the state, said that his administration put premium on human freedom and liberty.

“We must endeavour to know what is happening around us not just against attacks but abuse of individuals.

“There is no reason why people should brutalise other people either because they disagree with authorities or for any other reason,“ he said.

He assured the people that his administration would not tolerate the abuse and brutalisation of people by any group or individuals.

Some of the victims received gift items and financial assistance from the government to enable them access health care services and to re-unite with their families.