By Desire Uzochukwu
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to provide updates on the reported abduction of hundreds of residents during an August 22 attack on communities in Niger State.
HURIWA, in a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Saturday, said reports of the abduction of about 600 residents of Dekera, Gidan-Zana and Sabon Gida, as well as the reported killing of at least 40 people, required urgent attention.
The group said families of some of the reported victims had allegedly gone for about two weeks without communication from their relatives or the abductors.
HURIWA urged the government to provide affected families with regular and verified information on efforts to locate and rescue those reported missing.
The association said President Bola Tinubu’s reported directive to security agencies to rescue abducted citizens should be followed by coordinated action aimed at securing their safe return.
HURIWA said: “A presidential order to rescue abducted citizens cannot end as a statement in the media. Nigerians need results. Families need information. The abducted citizens need to come home alive.”
The group also drew attention to reports concerning a woman who was allegedly abducted alongside her husband and three children, including a newborn baby.
HURIWA said the reported incident underscored the humanitarian consequences of insecurity on families and communities.
It also expressed concern over reports of homes being destroyed and residents displaced following the attack, urging the government to provide affected communities with appropriate humanitarian support, including food, shelter, healthcare and security.
“Citizens whose homes are reduced to ashes cannot be abandoned to the mercy of the rains and hunger. The government has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property,” the group said.
HURIWA called on the Federal Government, Niger State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the reported abductees and provide their families with credible updates.
It also urged authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported attack and determine how the assailants were able to carry out the operation.
“The government must explain how hundreds of Nigerians can be taken hostage in a single operation without an effective intervention,” HURIWA said.
The organisation further called for stronger intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordination among security agencies, stressing that any rescue operation should prioritise the safety of the victims.
It also recommended the establishment of a dedicated communication channel through which families of affected persons could receive verified information on rescue efforts.
HURIWA said prolonged uncertainty could increase anxiety among affected families and urged the authorities to demonstrate urgency in addressing the situation.
The group stressed that the reported victims and their families were entitled to protection and timely information from the relevant authorities.
