Amnesty International has accused the Ebube Agu security outfit of widespread human rights violations in Ebonyi, Imo, and other states in the South-East.
In a new report, Amnesty documented several cases of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, abductions, and violent crackdowns allegedly carried out by operatives of the regional security network.
The group cited multiple incidents, including the killing of the daughter of a traditional ruler in Onicha Igboeze, Ebonyi State, on 9 September 2021, after a stray bullet from Ebube Agu operatives struck her. On 18 October 2021, four people were reportedly killed and several others injured in Amasiri, Afikpo North LGA, also in Ebonyi.
In Imo State, Amnesty reported that on 30 December 2021, six people were killed during a joint raid by Ebube Agu operatives and soldiers in Umutanzi, Orlu LGA. On 18 July 2022, 14 youths were also killed in Awo-Omamma, Oru East LGA.
According to Amnesty, residents in affected communities allege that Ebube Agu is being used to intimidate perceived opponents and critics of state governments, particularly in Ebonyi and Imo. One eyewitness told Amnesty that “anyone who criticizes the government is either disappeared, abducted, or dealt with by Ebube Agu operatives.”
Amnesty International called on authorities to investigate the allegations and ensure accountability for victims of the reported abuses.
