General News
HURIWA APPLAUDS U I SECURITY DEPLOYMENT TO NIGERIA, DECRIES KWARA KILLINGS AS SECURITY FAILURE
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the United States government for deploying security personnel to Nigeria to support counter-terrorism operations, while strongly condemning what it described as a “colossal failure” of Nigeria’s security and intelligence architecture following the killing of more than 40 residents in Kwara State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, HURIWA praised the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) for fulfilling its pledge to facilitate the presence of American security forces in Nigeria to work alongside Nigerian troops in combating terrorism.
The group noted that Reuters reported on Tuesday night that a small team of U.S. forces had been deployed to Nigeria following an agreement between both countries to more effectively counter terrorist threats in West Africa.
According to the report, the team brings “unique capabilities from the United States.”Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has also confirmed the deployment, although details of the mission remain undisclosed.
The Reuters report further indicated that the deployment followed pressure from Washington, with U.S. President Donald Trump previously accusing Nigeria of failing to protect Christians from Islamist militant attacks, particularly in the country’s northwest.
While welcoming the partnership, HURIWA cautioned that Nigeria must address internal sabotage within its security institutions to sustain trust with its American counterparts.
The group warned that intelligence leaks by compromised elements within the armed forces could undermine counter-terrorism operations.“
Nigerian security heads must urgently root out undesirable elements within the armed forces who collude with terrorists and leak sensitive intelligence.
If this sabotage is not curtailed, the U.S. may lose confidence in the partnership, which is largely in Nigeria’s interest,” HURIWA stated.
The civil rights group also condemned the failure of Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies to prevent deadly attacks carried out on Tuesday evening in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, where over 40 residents were killed.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA described the attacks as disturbing and unacceptable, arguing that the repeated assaults on communities without preemptive security action reflect a collapsed intelligence system.“If the security forces and intelligence community were efficient, they should have identified flashpoints and prevented these attacks before they happened.
Terrorists operating in Niger State are known to easily move into neighbouring states when pressured.
The lack of contingency plans and ineffective use of technology shows a systemic failure,” the group said.
HURIWA recalled that soldiers and forest guards were eventually deployed to the affected communities after the attacks, describing the response as belated and disappointing.
It argued that the bloodshed could have been avoided if actionable intelligence had been generated and acted upon promptly.Residents who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity confirmed that the death toll had risen to over 40, with security forces now stationed in the communities.“
The casualties are over forty. Soldiers and forest guards have taken over the two communities.
It is a very sad development at a time we thought peace had returned after previous bandit attacks,” a local source said.
According to community sources, the attackers reportedly came from neighbouring villages in Niger State and had been preaching against Nigeria’s constitution, urging residents to adopt Islamic law.
Dissent during the gathering allegedly triggered the violent attack, during which the assailants opened fire indiscriminately.
Many families reportedly lost loved ones, while several houses were set ablaze. Preparations for mass burials were ongoing as of Wednesday morning.
HURIWA has called for an urgent restructuring of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kwara State, demanding the appointment of more effective and result-oriented officials.
The group also criticised the Kwara State governor for what it described as a failure to put adequate security measures in place to protect rural communities.
“How can a governor watch his people be killed repeatedly without decisive action? This continuous bloodshed is unacceptable,” HURIWA said.
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that one of its officials has been taken into custody following the death of a corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta South.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the NYSC described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, disclosed that the staff member allegedly linked to the incident is currently in custody while relevant authorities continue their probe.
According to the scheme, it is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.
“The management of the NYSC is deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that the scheme maintains strict standards for both staff and corps members.
“We assure the public that we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure the truth is established and justice is served without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The NYSC further urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, emphasising that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a top priority.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women in Ozoro, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests followed a detailed review of video evidence and intelligence by operatives.
According to him, the suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, revealed that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
Police authorities emphasised that the actions were in no way reflective of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Command condemns these acts in totality and remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added, while urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing young women being sexually harassed during a local festival in the community.
The footage was linked to the Alue-Do Festival held in Ozoro, a cultural event associated with traditional rites.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” calling for swift justice for the victims.
Similarly, the Delta State Government condemned the act, with the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom refuted claims circulating online, stating that the incident was a misapplication of certain symbolic aspects of the Alue-Do Festival by some youths.
Earlier, the police had announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the case, as investigations continue.