The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expresses grave outrage and deep concern over the persistent and escalating killings in Plateau and Benue States, allegedly perpetrated by armed Fulani terrorist groups, which continue to claim innocent lives and displace vulnerable communities.
These repeated attacks, marked by brutality and impunity, have exposed a dangerous pattern of weak response, policy failure, and troubling silence from both the Plateau and Benue State governments. The inability—or unwillingness—of state authorities to decisively confront these atrocities has emboldened perpetrators and left citizens defenceless.
HURIWA strongly condemns the posture of the Benue State Government, particularly the earlier dismissal of claims of genocide, even in the face of mounting local and international concerns. It is deeply troubling that while credible international observers, including a visiting United States Congressional delegation, reportedly raised alarms over targeted attacks on predominantly Christian communities in parts of Northern Nigeria, the state government chose a path of denial rather than decisive action.
Equally disturbing is the situation in Plateau State, where the governor has publicly acknowledged that several rural communities are effectively under the control or occupation of armed groups, yet no commensurate action has been taken to reclaim these territories or ensure the safe return of displaced residents. Such admissions, without corresponding security measures, amount to an abdication of the fundamental duty of government—to protect lives and property.
HURIWA notes with alarm that these killings have continued unabated since the inauguration of the current federal administration, with numerous communities in both Plateau and Benue States suffering repeated attacks, mass casualties, and widespread displacement. These tragic incidents must not be normalised, ignored, or swept under the carpet of political convenience or bureaucratic inertia.
The association insists that the continued loss of lives in these states reflects not just a security failure, but a moral crisis in governance.
HURIWA therefore demands the following immediate actions:
Arrest and Prosecution:
Security agencies must urgently identify, arrest, and prosecute all individuals and groups responsible for these attacks. There must be no sacred cows.
Recovery of Occupied Communities:
The Federal Government, in collaboration with state authorities, must deploy adequate security forces to reclaim all communities reportedly under the control of armed groups and restore lawful authority.
Enhanced Security Presence:
There must be sustained and intelligence-driven security operations in vulnerable areas, including the establishment of rapid response units to prevent further attacks.
Transparent Accountability:
Both Plateau and Benue State governments must provide clear, consistent, and truthful briefings to the public on security developments, rather than contradictory or politically motivated statements.
Victim Support and Rehabilitation:
Immediate humanitarian assistance, compensation, and resettlement plans must be provided for victims and displaced persons.
National Security Strategy Review:
The Federal Government must urgently review and strengthen its overall security architecture to address the root causes of these recurring attacks and prevent further escalation.
HURIWA warns that continued inaction or inadequate response risks deepening public distrust, fuelling cycles of violence, and undermining national unity.
Nigeria cannot afford a situation where citizens are abandoned to their fate while armed groups operate with impunity. The sanctity of human life must be upheld, and justice must not only be done but seen to be done.
These killings must never be forgotten, ignored, or trivialised. The time for decisive action is now.
Signed:
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko
National Coordinator
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
Thursday, April 16, 2026
