HURIWA Condemns Escalating Kidnappings and Killings

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised the alarm over the escalating surge in kidnappings and killings by armed gunmen across Nigeria.

HURIWA expressed deep concern over the apparent failure of the country’s security agencies to curb these heinous acts and strongly condemned the inability of the armed forces to respond effectively to these threats.

The association also criticized the glaring absence of decisive leadership from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, in addressing the nation’s deteriorating security situation.

In a strongly-worded press statement signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA described the recent wave of kidnappings and killings, which have left communities across the country in fear and disarray, as a clear indication of a breakdown in law and order.

The group attributed this failure to the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the nation’s security intelligence apparatus, as well as the gross incompetence of the armed forces in protecting the lives and property of Nigerians. “The protection of lives and property is the primary duty of any government, and the failure to fulfill this responsibility reflects the total collapse of governance under President Tinubu’s administration,” the statement added.

HURIWA also expressed dismay over repeated instances where gunmen have executed brazen attacks with little or no resistance from security agencies. The statement highlighted recent violent crimes, including the killing of eight community leaders in Imo State, the kidnapping of over 20 medical students in Benue State, and the abduction of a traditional ruler in Sokoto State. “These attacks, carried out with impunity, have exposed the vulnerability of Nigerian citizens and underscored the government’s inability to maintain law and order,” HURIWA lamented.

The association further criticized President Tinubu’s nonchalant attitude, noting that while the country grapples with these security challenges, the President continues to embark on foreign trips. HURIWA described it as unconscionable that the President, who is constitutionally mandated to protect the lives and property of citizens, appears more interested in international engagements than in addressing the escalating violence and insecurity within Nigeria. This dereliction of duty, the group warned, is unacceptable and raises serious questions about the commitment of the Tinubu administration to the safety and well-being of Nigerians.

HURIWA, therefore, called on President Tinubu to overhaul the country’s security architecture immediately. “This should include the appointment of fresh and competent heads of security institutions who are capable of waging an all-out war against terrorism, insurgency, and violent crime. The current security leadership has proven ineffective, and their continued retention in office only emboldens criminal elements who see the Nigerian state as weak and incapable of enforcing its laws,” HURIWA asserted.

In addition to reforming the security agencies, HURIWA reiterated its earlier call for the establishment of special federal and state high courts dedicated to the swift prosecution of kidnappers and terrorists. The association strongly advocated for the reintroduction of the death penalty for kidnapping, with public executions to be carried out in the localities of the convicted criminals. “This measure, while severe, is necessary to deter those who continue to terrorize innocent Nigerians. The time for leniency has passed; the Nigerian government must demonstrate that it has the resolve to protect its citizens by imposing the ultimate penalty on those who commit such atrocious crimes,” HURIWA explained in its position against kidnappings.

HURIWA warned that the consequences could be dire if decisive action is not taken immediately. “Firstly, the increasing insecurity will lead to a mass exodus of Nigerians seeking safety in other countries. Many Nigerians are already fleeing the country for peace and security, a trend that will only worsen if the current situation persists. Secondly, the continued failure to address these security challenges could provoke widespread civil unrest. Nigerians, pushed to the brink by fear and frustration, may take to the streets in nationwide protests, demanding the resignation of President Tinubu and his administration for their failure to protect the people.

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