The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has praised traders at Onitsha Main Market and Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo for ending the longstanding Monday sit-at-home boycott of markets. The advocacy group highlighted that ending the sit-at-home across the entire South-East could significantly boost the Igbo economy, which has suffered from prolonged disruptions and attacks by armed groups.
HURIWA also emphasized the need for government and security agencies to demonstrate capacity in tackling insecurity and to maintain transparency in their dealings with the public. The group specifically referenced the controversial case of Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, also known as ‘Gentle de Yahoo’, a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in Imo State.
In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters announced the capture of Gentle de Yahoo, who had previously led violent activities in the region. Earlier operations by Nigerian troops had overrun his enclave in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area, with his second-in-command killed, others arrested, and weapons and equipment seized. Gentle de Yahoo, however, reportedly escaped.
Following the emergence of a recent viral video claiming that Gentle de Yahoo had returned and alleging poisoning while in custody, the Defence Headquarters clarified that the video may have been fabricated using Artificial Intelligence, warning against disinformation aimed at destabilizing society.
HURIWA called on the Nigerian government and Defence Headquarters to provide credible evidence regarding the status of Gentle de Yahoo and urged public disclosure of investigation reports to verify claims of his capture and ensure accountability.
The group’s statements underscore the broader push for security, transparency, and economic revitalization in the South-East, emphasizing that the end of sit-at-home practices and credible handling of insurgency cases are key to restoring investor confidence and stability in the region.
HURIWA Applauds Onitsha Traders, Urges End to South-East Sit-at-Home
