By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Federal Government to secure the immediate release of 176 citizens reportedly abducted by terrorists in Kwara State, describing the situation as a “national disgrace” and evidence of a collapse of governance.
In a strongly worded statement issued at the weekend, the group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Kwara State in order to implement what it termed “holistic and decisive security measures” to crush insurgents operating in several rural communities.
HURIWA alleged that governance in the state had “invariably collapsed”, citing what it described as repeated bloodshed and an inability by the state authorities to protect residents.
The rights organisation referenced media reports claiming that suspected Boko Haram terrorists — formally known as Jama’atu Ahlissunnah Lidda’awati wal-Jihad — had circulated a video showing dozens of abducted victims, including women, children and a nursing mother, allegedly taken from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area.
According to HURIWA, the video reportedly showed one of the terrorists interrogating captives about where they were seized. Several women were heard responding in Hausa that they were abducted from Woro community. The footage allegedly displayed rows of distressed women and children, with the kidnappers claiming that 176 people were in their custody.
The group criticised what it described as conflicting figures regarding the number of victims, questioning official accounts that suggested significantly fewer persons were abducted.
“Is it not shameful that terrorists operate freely and even circulate video evidence while authorities appear unable to decisively confront them?” HURIWA asked.
In the statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the organisation said the President’s foremost constitutional duty was the protection of lives and property.
“With the reported killings of over 300 citizens in Kwara State this year alone, we believe it is time for the President to impose a state of emergency and strengthen security infrastructure to decimate and dismantle these terror networks,” the group stated.
HURIWA further demanded the swift rescue of the abducted citizens and insisted that perpetrators must face the full weight of the law.
“Only in a failed state do terrorists kill at will without justice. The Federal Government must act urgently to rescue the captives and end the recurring bloodshed,” the statement added.
The Kwara State Government has yet to issue a fresh response to the latest claims at the time of filing this report.
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