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Plateau, Zamfara, and Niger states security crises have deepened, according to the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA. The group says the latest wave of killings and abductions exposes grave security challenges.
The statement was signed by Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko. He is the National Coordinator of HURIWA. The association said it is deeply disturbed that innocent citizens keep losing their lives despite repeated government assurances.
According to HURIWA, Nigeria cannot afford a security strategy based on statements and condemnations. Instead, government must move from reactive responses to preventive operations. Therefore, threats must be identified before they become massacres.
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Plateau Killings: 54 Killed In Zikke, HURIWA Demands Accountability
HURIWA cited the killing of at least 54 residents of Zikke village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. Armed men reportedly invaded the community in the early hours of Saturday. They killed residents, including children and elderly persons. In addition, houses were set ablaze and property was looted.
The group said the incident is particularly disturbing. It comes barely two weeks after another attack in Plateau reportedly claimed 52 lives. Therefore, rural communities remain vulnerable.
Amnesty International described the Zikke attack as an “inexcusable security failure”. It also questioned the effectiveness of Federal Government security measures. HURIWA said such concerns should not be dismissed. The protection of lives and property is the fundamental duty of government.
Consequently, HURIWA demands a comprehensive investigation into the Zikke massacre. The probe must cover intelligence available, response time, and preventive measures. In addition, those responsible must be arrested and prosecuted.
Curfew Has Not Stopped Plateau Violence — HURIWA
The group also questioned the dusk-to-dawn curfew in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs. Despite the curfew, fresh killings continue. For instance, three men were reportedly killed at Kyikyau-Gyambwas in Mangu while keeping watch over their community.
HURIWA said the reports raise questions about intelligence gathering and patrol arrangements. In addition, they raise questions about rapid response capacity. A curfew alone cannot constitute a comprehensive security strategy.
Therefore, the group called for stronger community-based intelligence systems. It also demanded improved surveillance, adequate patrols and rapid-response mechanisms. Security agencies must engage traditional rulers, community leaders and youth groups for timely information.
Tsafe Attack Exposes Vulnerability Of Zamfara Communities
HURIWA described the invasion of Tsafe town in Zamfara State as alarming. Tsafe is the headquarters of Tsafe Local Government Area. Suspected bandits reportedly opened fire and abducted at least five residents on Friday night. Bullet marks were found on buildings.
The association said an attack on a local government headquarters deserves urgent attention. Residents of Zamfara and North-West have endured years of attacks. Therefore, they should not face armed groups without adequate protection.
HURIWA demanded increased security presence in vulnerable communities. It also called for sustained operations against criminal camps and hideouts.
Niger Abduction Figures Require Urgent Clarification
HURIWA expressed serious concern over conflicting figures in Niger State. The case involves mass abduction of worshippers in Borgu LGA on August 21. Communities in Dekara District released names of 547 allegedly abducted persons.
According to the community list, the figures include 341 from Gbenji, 104 from Giagbasso/Sabon Gida, 88 from Dekara, nine from Kpenya/Masaka and five from Gbebara. However, these figures differ substantially from the lower number attributed to the Niger State Government.
HURIWA said the discrepancy must be urgently investigated. The issue concerns human lives and hundreds of citizens. Therefore, uncertainty should not persist while families await credible information.
The group demanded that Niger State Government, local authorities and security agencies reconcile the figures. They must publish an accurate account of those abducted, rescued, killed or still missing. In addition, efforts must be intensified to rescue victims taken into Kainji Lake National Park forest.
Condemnations Are No Longer Enough
HURIWA said the recurring pattern is troubling. Communities are attacked, citizens are killed or abducted, officials issue condemnations, and another attack occurs elsewhere. Consequently, this cycle must end.
The group warned that repeated attacks without arrests embolden criminal groups. Therefore, it demanded a measurable security strategy with clear responsibilities and timelines.
“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 and perpetrators prosecuted,” HURIWA stated.
The association urged the Federal Government to strengthen coordination among military, police and intelligence agencies. It also called for closer federal-state cooperation, especially in communities bordering forests.
Furthermore, HURIWA urged political leaders not to allow 2027 election preparations to distract from protecting citizens. The Federal and state governments must demonstrate through concrete action that Nigerian lives remain valuable.
“Nigerians deserve more than condolences after tragedy. They deserve a security system capable of preventing tragedy in the first place,” the group added.
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