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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has urged the State Security Service, SSS, to investigate possible political motives behind renewed killings and abductions in Southern Kaduna.
HURIWA made the call in a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko.
The association expressed concern over the timing of the attacks.
Onwubiko said the association was not jumping to conclusions but believed the circumstances surrounding the attacks required urgent intelligence investigation.
He urged the DSS to establish whether the renewed violence was connected to emerging political developments in the state.
The association called for the identification and prosecution of anyone found sponsoring attacks to destabilise Kaduna State.
HURIWA cited the recent attack on Akwando community in Kachia Local Government Area, where two persons were reportedly killed and 20 abducted on Nov. 4.
The incident was disclosed by the Kuturmi Unity Development Association, KUDA, through its President, Joseph Ariko, and Publicity Secretary, Manasseh Akwando.
The association recalled that an Easter Sunday attack on Ariko community claimed five lives, while another 17 victims reportedly died in captivity.
It also cited an attack on Awon community, where two persons were killed and 11 others abducted.
HURIWA said some of the abducted victims later regained their freedom, while others reportedly died in captivity.
The association expressed concern over allegations that armed groups were imposing illegal levies on residents and restricting access to ancestral farmlands.
It described the alleged actions as violations of fundamental human rights and threats to the livelihoods of affected communities.
HURIWA called for the immediate rescue of the 20 residents abducted from Akwando and other victims still being held captive.
The association, however, commended Gov. Uba Sani for his efforts to address insecurity and restore peace in Kaduna State.
It acknowledged the administration’s collaboration with security agencies and its position against granting terrorists impunity for their atrocities.
HURIWA urged the governor to sustain engagements with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to strengthen peace-building efforts.
It also called on residents, irrespective of their religious, ethnic and political affiliations, to support government initiatives towards restoring lasting peace.
The association urged President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Inspector General of Police, Chief of Defence Staff and DSS Director General to treat the attacks as an urgent national security concern.
It called for the deployment of adequately equipped security personnel to Akwando, Ariko, Awon and other vulnerable communities.
The association also advocated permanent security posts, regular patrols and effective early warning mechanisms to prevent further attacks.
HURIWA demanded coordinated security operations to rescue abducted residents and investigate allegations of extortion and restrictions on access to farmlands.
It further called for the prosecution of those found responsible and humanitarian assistance to displaced residents, survivors and affected families.
The association warned political actors against exploiting insecurity to promote religious division, ethnic hostility or electoral interests.
It said residents of Southern Kaduna deserved to live, farm and worship without fear of killings or abductions.
HURIWA stressed that peace-building efforts must be matched with effective protection of vulnerable communities, accountability and respect for fundamental human rights.
NAN
