Plateau, Zamfara, Niger attacks worry HURIWA

By Chioma Obinna

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised concerns over reported killings, attacks and mass abductions in Plateau, Zamfara and Niger states, describing the incidents as evidence of a deepening security crisis.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the rights group said the latest incidents showed that many Nigerians remained vulnerable despite repeated government assurances that measures were being taken to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

HURIWA called on the government to move beyond reactive responses and develop preventive security operations capable of identifying and neutralising threats before they result in mass casualties.

“Nigeria cannot afford a security strategy based principally on statements, condemnations, and promises after attacks have already occurred,” the organisation said.

The group’s concerns followed reports of fresh violence, including the reported killing of at least 54 residents of Zikke village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to HURIWA, armed men invaded the community early Saturday, killing residents, including children and elderly persons, while houses were reportedly burnt and property looted.

The organisation said the incident was particularly disturbing because it reportedly occurred barely two weeks after another attack in Plateau State in which 52 people were reported killed.

HURIWA cited Amnesty International’s description of the Zikke attack as an “inexcusable security failure” and called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, including the available intelligence, security response time and measures taken to prevent further attacks.

“Those responsible for the killings must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” HURIWA said.

The group also questioned the effectiveness of the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas, citing reports of further killings during and around the restriction period.

It specifically referred to the reported killing of three men at Kyikyau-Gyambwas in Mangu while they were allegedly keeping watch over their community.

“A curfew cannot, by itself, constitute a comprehensive security strategy,” HURIWA said, calling for stronger community intelligence, surveillance, patrols and rapid-response mechanisms.

In Zamfara, the group expressed concern over the reported invasion of Tsafe, headquarters of Tsafe Local Government Area, by suspected bandits.

It said at least five residents were reportedly abducted during a Friday night attack, while bullet marks were allegedly found on some buildings.

HURIWA also demanded clarification of conflicting figures surrounding the reported mass abduction of worshippers in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The group said communities reportedly listed 547 people as allegedly abducted during attacks on mosques in Dekara District on August 21, adding that the figure differed substantially from the lower number attributed to the Niger State Government.

“The discrepancy must be urgently investigated and resolved because the issue concerns human lives and the whereabouts of hundreds of Nigerian citizens,” it said.

HURIWA urged the authorities to reconcile the figures and intensify efforts to rescue victims reportedly taken into the Kainji Lake National Park forest.

The organisation said the recurring pattern of attacks, official condemnations and subsequent investigations needed to end.

“This cycle must end,” HURIWA declared.

It urged the Federal Government to strengthen coordination among security agencies and called on state governments to improve local security structures and intelligence sharing.

HURIWA also urged political leaders not to allow preparations for the 2027 elections to distract from the protection of citizens.

“Nigerians deserve more than condolences after tragedy. They deserve a security system capable of preventing tragedy in the first place,” the group said.

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