Residents of a community in Ebonyi State have spoken out about a disturbing incident where military personnel allegedly seized their mobile phones and prohibited them from recording videos following a series of herdsmen attacks in the region. This development raises significant concerns regarding transparency, human rights, and the safety of citizens.
According to eyewitnesses, the violence, which has been a growing issue in the area due to clashes between herders and local farmers, escalated when armed herdsmen attacked several villages, leaving behind a trail of destruction, injuries, and fatalities. In the aftermath of these attacks, military personnel arrived at the scene to control the situation, but residents allege that instead of providing security, the soldiers obstructed their attempts to document the aftermath of the violence.
Several community members shared firsthand accounts, stating that when they attempted to capture video footage of the aftermath of the attacks, soldiers forcibly took their phones, deleted any videos already recorded, and warned them against further filming. "We were just trying to show what had happened to our people," said one resident. "But they took our phones and told us not to record anything. It felt like they didn’t want the world to know what was going on."
Human rights groups have condemned these actions, urging for an investigation into the conduct of military personnel during such sensitive situations. Advocacy groups argue that blocking the public from documenting events, particularly in cases of violence and abuse, undermines accountability and hinders the pursuit of justice for the victims.
A local spokesperson for the Ebonyi State government declined to comment on the specifics of the allegations but affirmed that state authorities are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens. "We are investigating every incident thoroughly, and we are dedicated to holding accountable anyone involved in unlawful activities," the spokesperson said.