The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) says the latest wave of killings, attacks and mass abductions reported in Plateau, Zamfara and Niger States has further exposed the grave security challenges confronting millions of Nigerians and the urgent need for a more effective national security response.
HURIWA says it is deeply disturbed that innocent citizens continue to lose their lives in their communities despite repeated assurances from government that measures are being taken to contain terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
In a statement signed by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko and made available to VDCInsights, the rights group says the latest incidents demonstrate that Nigeria cannot afford a security strategy based principally on statements, condemnations and promises after attacks have already occurred.
HURIWA says government must move decisively from reactive responses to preventive security operations capable of identifying threats before they mature into massacres and mass abductions.
Plateau killings: HURIWA demands accountability
HURIWA says the reported killing of at least 54 residents of Zikke village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State is another tragic reminder of the vulnerability of rural communities in parts of the country.
The association says reports indicate that armed men invaded the community in the early hours of Saturday, killing residents, including children and elderly persons, while houses were reportedly set ablaze and property looted.
HURIWA says the development is particularly disturbing coming barely two weeks after another attack in Plateau State reportedly claimed 52 lives.
The association notes that Amnesty International has described the latest Zikke attack as an “inexcusable security failure” and raised concerns about the effectiveness of the security measures announced by the Federal Government.
HURIWA says such concerns should not be dismissed because the fundamental responsibility of every government is the protection of the lives and property of citizens.
The association therefore demands a comprehensive investigation into the Zikke massacre, including the circumstances surrounding the attack, the response time of security agencies, intelligence available before the incident and the measures taken to prevent further attacks.
HURIWA says those responsible for the killings must be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Curfew has not stopped Plateau violence
HURIWA also says the continued attacks in Plateau despite the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas require serious attention from both the state and Federal Governments.
The association notes reports of fresh killings during and around the curfew period, including the reported killing of three men at Kyikyau-Gyambwas in Mangu while they were keeping watch over their community.
HURIWA insists the reports raise important questions about intelligence gathering, security deployment, patrol arrangements, rapid response and the capacity of security agencies to protect communities after imposing movement restrictions.
The rights group points out that a curfew cannot, by itself, constitute a comprehensive security strategy.
HURIWA therefore calls for stronger community-based intelligence systems, improved surveillance, adequate patrols and rapid-response mechanisms capable of reaching threatened communities before attackers inflict casualties.
The association also urges security agencies to maintain effective engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and other local stakeholders who can provide timely information about emerging threats.
Tsafe attack exposes vulnerability of communities
HURIWA says the reported invasion of Tsafe town, headquarters of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, by suspected bandits is equally alarming.
The association notes reports that the attackers opened fire and abducted at least five residents during the Friday night operation, with bullet marks reportedly found on buildings in the town.
HURIWA says an attack of this nature in a local government headquarters should receive urgent attention from the security authorities.
The group says residents of Zamfara and other parts of the North-West have endured years of attacks, killings and abductions and should not be left to confront armed criminal groups without adequate protection.
HURIWA demands increased security presence in vulnerable communities and calls for sustained operations against criminal camps and hideouts from which attackers launch raids on civilian settlements.
Niger abduction figures require urgent clarification
HURIWA says it is also seriously concerned about the conflicting figures surrounding the reported mass abduction of worshippers in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The association notes that communities in the affected area reportedly released the names of 547 persons allegedly abducted during attacks on mosques in Dekara District on August 21.
HURIWA says the community figures reportedly include 341 persons from Gbenji, 104 from Giagbasso/Sabon Gida, 88 from Dekara, nine from Kpenya/Masaka and five from Gbebara.
The association notes that these figures differ substantially from the lower number publicly attributed to the Niger State Government.
HURIWA says the discrepancy must be urgently investigated and resolved because the issue concerns human lives and the whereabouts of hundreds of Nigerian citizens.
The association says no government should allow uncertainty over the number of abducted citizens to persist, particularly when families are waiting for credible information about their relatives.
HURIWA therefore demands that the Niger State Government, local authorities and security agencies urgently reconcile the figures and publish an accurate account of those abducted, rescued, killed or still missing.
The rights group also demands intensified efforts to rescue the victims reportedly taken into the Kainji Lake National Park forest.
HURIWA: Condemnations are no longer enough
HURIWA says the recurring pattern across the affected states is deeply troubling: communities are attacked, citizens are killed or abducted, government officials issue condemnations and security agencies announce investigations, only for another attack to occur elsewhere.
The association says this cycle must end.
HURIWA warns that repeated attacks without timely arrests and successful prosecutions risk creating an environment in which armed criminal groups become increasingly emboldened.
The rights group therefore demands a measurable security strategy with clearly defined responsibilities, timelines and operational objectives.
HURIWA says Nigerians should be able to assess security performance not by the number of press statements issued after attacks, but by the number of attacks prevented, abductees rescued, criminal networks dismantled, weapons recovered and perpetrators successfully prosecuted.
Government must put citizens first
HURIWA says the protection of citizens must remain the overriding responsibility of government at every level.
The association urges the Federal Government to strengthen coordination among the military, police, intelligence agencies and other security institutions operating in vulnerable states.
HURIWA also calls for closer cooperation between federal and state authorities, particularly in communities bordering forests and other difficult-to-access areas that criminal groups may exploit as operational bases.
The association says state governments must equally strengthen their local security architecture and ensure that security information received from communities is promptly transmitted to the relevant authorities.
HURIWA further urges political leaders not to allow preparations for the 2027 elections to distract them from the immediate responsibility of protecting Nigerians.
The association says political activities can continue, but the safety of citizens must remain a priority.
HURIWA insists that the Federal Government and the affected state governments must demonstrate, through concrete action, that the lives of Nigerians remain valuable and worthy of protection.
The association calls for immediate action to prevent further massacres, rescue citizens still in captivity, protect vulnerable communities and ensure that those responsible for the killings and abductions face justice.
HURIWA says Nigerians deserve more than condolences after tragedy.
They deserve a security system capable of preventing tragedy in the first place.
