The Human Rights, Liberty Access and Peace Defenders’ Foundation (HURIDE) and the Campaign for Democracy (CD) South East have raised concerns over threats to the life of their Executive Director and Chairman, Dede Uzor A. Uzor.

In a joint press release, the rights groups alleged that Uzor has been receiving threatening calls and messages following his efforts in exposing criminal hideouts and handing over suspects to security authorities.

Dede Uzor, a well-known human rights activist and security expert, played a key role in uncovering the criminals behind the murder of a serving legislator in Anambra State, as well as other high-profile crime syndicates.

According to the Vice Chairman of HURIDE, Comrade Chika Udemadu, the threats intensified on Wednesday, February, at about 1:13 pm, when Uzor received multiple calls and messages, including one that read: “I know who you are and I know what you are up to, but I pity your family because you are too young to die. Be warned.” The message was sent from the phone number 07083384210.

Udemadu further alleged that some of the threats were made through phone calls, where unknown individuals hurled unprintable insults and warnings at Uzor. He also claimed that some officers within the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu might be uncomfortable with Uzor’s role in exposing criminal activities, stating that some had even sent and deleted WhatsApp messages to him to avoid detection.

The human rights community in Anambra State has called on the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, to urgently provide security for Uzor, given the rising insecurity in the region. “We urge the police to act swiftly before anything happens to him,” Udemadu stated.

The groups insist that those behind the threats must be investigated and brought to justice to ensure that human rights defenders can continue their work without fear of intimidation.