The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the reported killing of passengers by armed bandits along the road to Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, describing the attack as a cruel assault on the sanctity of human life and the safety of innocent citizens.
HURIWA demands effective and efficient coordination among security agencies, backed by proactive, intelligence-led operations, to prevent further bloodshed and protect Nigerians travelling on the nation’s highways.
Reports indicate that the armed assailants intercepted a vehicle conveying passengers returning from Sokoto city on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, and opened fire on those inside. The exact number of casualties had yet to be officially confirmed as of Thursday.
Conflict reporter Bakatsine, who covers security developments in northwestern Nigeria, reported the incident and shared photographs of some of the victims.
Some of those reportedly killed were said to be among the 3,000 people recruited by the Sokoto State Government who had travelled to the state capital for further screening and collection of their documents.
HURIWA describes the reported attack as a disturbing reminder of the grave security risks confronting citizens on roads in parts of northwestern Nigeria.
The association insists that security operations must move beyond reactive responses after attacks have occurred. Intelligence gathering, information sharing, strategic deployment and timely intervention must form the foundation of efforts to dismantle armed criminal networks and protect vulnerable communities.
HURIWA calls on the relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the incident, establish the identities and number of victims, track down the perpetrators and ensure that all those responsible are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The association warns that the killers must not be allowed to escape justice. Every failure to identify and bring perpetrators of such atrocities to account risks deepening public anxiety and weakening citizens’ confidence in the ability of the state to protect their lives.
HURIWA also urges the Sokoto State Government and relevant federal authorities to cooperate fully with security agencies, provide necessary operational support and ensure that affected families receive timely information and appropriate assistance.
While acknowledging the challenges confronting security agencies, HURIWA maintains that the protection of lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of government that must be pursued with urgency, professionalism and measurable results.
The association calls for stronger highway surveillance, improved intelligence networks and closer coordination among the police, military and other relevant security agencies to prevent armed groups from turning public roads into killing grounds.
HURIWA extends its condolences to the families of the victims and calls on authorities to provide transparent updates on the incident as investigations proceed.
Signed:
Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko
National Coordinator,
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
22nd Octoberm 2026
