Ignatius Okorocha, Abuja
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa and the Minister of State for Defence, Senator Bello Mattawalle to immediately withdraw from the campaign council of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and devote their full attention to their constitutional responsibilities of supervising Nigeria’s counterterrorism and national security efforts.
HURIWA said the continued involvement of the two ministers in political campaign activities, at a time of worsening insecurity across the country, sends the wrong signal to Nigerians and raises questions about the government’s priorities.
The rights group in the statement signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, expressed concern over the increasing attacks, killings and abductions in parts of the country, including the reported abduction of worshippers during Friday prayers in Niger State.
HURIWA strongly condemned the attack on worshippers in Dekara village and described the reported abduction of women, children and elderly people as unacceptable and a serious violation of their fundamental rights.
The association is particularly concerned by reports that a video allegedly showing hundreds of abducted persons has circulated on social media.
While HURIWA notes that the reported number of abducted persons and the authenticity and location of the video require official verification, the reports are grave enough to demand an urgent and coordinated response from the Federal Government.
HURIWA therefore calls on the Federal Government and the Niger State Government to intensify efforts to establish the whereabouts of the abducted worshippers and secure their safe release.
The association also demands urgent action to rescue citizens held captive by armed groups in Borno, Niger, Kogi and other affected states.
Government Must Put Security Above Politics
HURIWA believes that the primary responsibility of the Defence Ministry at this critical period is to strengthen the capacity of the military and other security agencies to protect Nigerians and defeat terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent crime.
The association therefore considers it inappropriate for the ministers responsible for defence to allow political campaign activities to distract from the urgent security challenges facing the nation.
HURIWA calls on President Tinubu to demonstrate that the protection of Nigerian lives remains a priority by directing all officials responsible for national security to concentrate on their constitutional duties.
The association also urges the government to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities in Benue, Plateau and other states affected by recurring attacks.
HURIWA condemns every attack on civilians, regardless of the identity, religion or ethnic background of the victims or perpetrators.
The association rejects the killing of Christians, Muslims and members of other faiths and communities and urges security agencies to investigate every attack thoroughly and bring perpetrators to justice.
HURIWA demands a coordinated rescue operation for all Nigerians being held by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.
The government must also provide accurate and timely information to families of victims instead of leaving communities to depend on unverified reports and social media videos.
HURIWA further calls for stronger intelligence gathering, improved coordination among security agencies and greater protection for schools, places of worship and vulnerable communities.
The association stresses that the fight against terrorism and kidnapping must not be politicised.
The lives of Nigerians must come before electoral calculations or political interests.
The Federal Government must therefore act decisively to protect citizens, rescue those in captivity and restore confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
For a better society
Follow us across our platforms:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/championnewsonline/
Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/championnewsonline
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/champion-newspapers-limited/
https://x.com/championnewsng/
You can also like and comment on our YouTube videos.
https://youtu.be/QIBfD1tT80w?si=R4Qf3so2LxYu3GC2
