By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Unity Advocacy Group (UAG) has urged Nigerians to exercise caution following allegations attributed to Amnesty International that about 150 members of the Fulani community, including children, died in a military-controlled detention facility in Kwara State.
The group said the claim, which has circulated widely on social media, remains unverified and should not be treated as established fact until it is properly investigated and confirmed by competent authorities.
UAG Convener, Ifeanyi Aigbedion, noted that the Nigerian Armed Forces maintain a longstanding record of professionalism and respect for human rights, demonstrated both in domestic operations and in international peacekeeping assignments under the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS, where their conduct has been widely acknowledged for discipline and adherence to international humanitarian standards.
The group warned that the spread of sensitive and unconfirmed reports risks inflaming ethnic tensions and undermining national cohesion at a time when unity remains essential.
It stressed that while allegations of this nature are serious and require attention, they must be subjected to thorough, transparent, and independent investigation through appropriate legal and institutional channels.
UAG cautioned against narratives that could unfairly generalize or mischaracterize security institutions based on unverified reports, emphasizing the need for balance and verified facts.
The group further called on relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the allegations and ensure that credible findings are made public to address speculation and restore public confidence.
UAG reaffirmed its commitment to national unity and peaceful coexistence, urging the media, stakeholders, and citizens to prioritize accuracy, restraint, and responsible communication in handling sensitive security-related issues.
