Focus On Insecurity, HURIWA Tells Defence Ministers To Leave Tinubu’s Campaign Council

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the Minister of State for Defence, Senator Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to withdraw from President Bola Tinubu’s campaign council and focus on addressing the country’s worsening security situation.

HURIWA said the involvement of the two ministers in political campaign activities was inappropriate at a time when Nigerians were facing increasing attacks, killings and abductions across the country.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the organisation said Musa and Matawalle should concentrate on their constitutional responsibilities of overseeing national defence and counterterrorism operations.

“The primary responsibility of the Defence Ministry at this critical period is to strengthen the capacity of the military and other security agencies to protect Nigerians and defeat terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent crime,” HURIWA said.

The group’s position followed reports of attacks in different parts of the country, including the alleged abduction of worshippers during Friday prayers in Dekara village, Niger State.

HURIWA described the reported abduction of women, children and elderly persons as unacceptable and a serious violation of their fundamental rights.

It also raised concerns over a video circulating on social media, allegedly showing hundreds of abducted persons.

However, the organisation said the reported number of victims, as well as the authenticity and location of the video, must be independently verified.

“While HURIWA notes that the reported number of abducted persons and the authenticity and location of the video require official verification, the reports are grave enough to demand an urgent and coordinated response from the Federal Government,” it said.

The rights group urged the Federal Government and the Niger State Government to intensify efforts to locate the abducted worshippers and secure their safe release.

It also called for immediate rescue operations for Nigerians held captive by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers in Borno, Niger, Kogi and other affected states.

HURIWA maintained that the fight against terrorism and kidnapping should not be allowed to become a political issue.

“The fight against terrorism and kidnapping must not be politicised,” the group said.

It urged President Tinubu to demonstrate his administration’s commitment to protecting Nigerians by directing officials responsible for national security to focus on their constitutional duties.

The organisation also demanded stronger security measures for vulnerable communities in Benue, Plateau and other states affected by recurring attacks.

HURIWA condemned attacks on civilians regardless of their religion, ethnicity or background and called on security agencies to investigate such incidents and prosecute those responsible.

“The association rejects the killing of Christians, Muslims and members of other faiths and communities and urges security agencies to investigate every attack thoroughly and bring perpetrators to justice,” the statement added.

The group further criticised what it described as inadequate communication with families of abducted persons, urging authorities to provide timely and accurate information instead of leaving communities dependent on unverified reports and social media posts.

HURIWA called for improved intelligence gathering and greater coordination among security agencies, as well as enhanced protection for schools, places of worship and other vulnerable locations.

“The lives of Nigerians must come before electoral calculations or political interests,” the organisation said.

It urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue citizens in captivity, protect vulnerable communities and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.

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