HURIWA Tasks Tinubu on Insecurity, Raises Alarm Over ‘Extreme Politics’

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what it described as his alleged preoccupation with partisan politics at the expense of tackling insecurity across the country.

In a statement issued Sunday in Abuja and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group said it was “unbelievably shocking” that the president was allegedly focusing on preparations for the next general election rather than confronting the escalating wave of violence in several states.

HURIWA accused the president of paying attention to political developments, including praising the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over the outcome of recent FCT local council elections, while communities in parts of the country face deadly attacks by terrorists.

The group cited a recent incident in Ondo State in which a traditional ruler was reportedly kidnapped and killed, as well as ongoing attacks in Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto and parts of Kwara states. It alleged that several local government areas in the North-west and North-central regions remain under persistent threat from armed groups.

HURIWA also expressed concern over the reported killing of more than 50 people in attacks on communities in Anka and Bukuyum local government areas of Zamfara State between Thursday and Friday night. The casualty figures were reportedly confirmed by a state lawmaker, Hamisu Faru, who represents Bukuyum South in the Zamfara State House of Assembly.

Quoting Faru’s interview with German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW), HURIWA said the attackers moved through forest routes before storming villages, including Mudutse, setting houses ablaze and shooting residents who attempted to flee.

“Initially, we counted 41 bodies. As I speak, reports received after the late afternoon prayer show the death toll has risen to over 50. In our region, this is a catastrophe beyond words,” Faru was quoted as saying.

The lawmaker also alleged that security agencies were alerted during the attack and that air support was reportedly deployed but failed to neutralise the assailants before they retreated.

Residents were also reported to have said that dozens of women and children were abducted during the attacks, with homes and food supplies destroyed, leaving communities displaced and in distress.

HURIWA questioned what it described as delayed or ineffective responses by security forces, arguing that the president, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, should investigate the alleged intelligence and operational lapses.

The group further recalled a previous attack in neighbouring Kebbi State, where a government girls’ secondary school was invaded by terrorists. It alleged that troops stationed near the school were withdrawn hours before the incident and criticised authorities for failing to publicly disclose the outcome of any investigation into the matter.

HURIWA also criticised the Defence leadership, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Gwabin Musa, over what it described as a lack of transparency regarding disciplinary measures against officers allegedly linked to security lapses.

The civil rights organisation urged the federal government to prioritise governance and intensify efforts to end what it termed the “cocktail of bloodbath” across the country, warning against actions it said could deepen political divisions and distract from urgent national security concerns.