HURIWA URGES PRESIDENT TINUBU TO CLASSIFY KIDNAPPERS AS TERRORISTS AMIDST ALARMING SOUTHEAST ABDUCTIONS

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to urgently amend Nigeria’s Counter-Terrorism Act to classify kidnappers as terrorists, prescribing the death penalty for offenders. National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko stated in a statement that the alarming rate of kidnappings, with 257 people abducted in Southeast Nigeria between July 2024 and June 2025, underscores the need for decisive action.

Onwubiko expressed disappointment that authorities have failed to grasp the severity of kidnappings, possibly due to security agents prioritizing protection of top officials over public safety. “We hope the government is not waiting for one of the governors or a very prominent national legislator to be abducted by kidnappers before swift, comprehensive and effective steps are taken to combat kidnappings,” Onwubiko asserted.

The SBM Intelligence report “Locust Business – The Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry: A 2025 Update” revealed Enugu had the highest kidnapping cases (123), followed by Anambra (63), Imo (42), Abia (27), and Ebonyi (2). Kidnappers demanded N1.005 billion in ransom but received only N157.55 million, 6.1% of N2.56 billion collected nationwide. The report noted Southeast and South-South regions face targeted religious abductions and financial extortion, affecting clergy and professionals.

HURIWA condemned Reverend Father Wilfred Ezemba’s abduction in Kogi State, highlighting a nexus between terrorism and kidnappings, citing 19,100 churches destroyed by terrorists in 16 years. Reverend Father Michael expressed confidence in prayers for Ezemba’s safe release, saying, “Our confusion is high… But we are confident that Almighty God will deliver him safely”.

Onwubiko criticized Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State for spending excessive time in Abuja, urging Southeast leaders to convene an emergency security summit. HURIWA appealed for collective action to address insecurity, amend counter-terror laws, and make kidnapping a capital offense, with governors willing to sign execution warrants promptly.