The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expresses grave concern over the continued captivity of dozens of Nigerians abducted by terrorists and bandits in different parts of the country, particularly the 37 worshippers kidnapped from Ariko village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State nearly two months ago.
While we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing an immediate and robust response to the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, we strongly insist that every Nigerian life carries equal value regardless of ethnicity, religion, region, or political consideration.
The victims abducted from Ariko village on Easter Sunday remain in captivity after armed terrorists attacked three churches, killed seven worshippers, and whisked away 37 innocent citizens, including women, children, a pregnant woman, and an elderly visually impaired person.
The continued detention of these innocent Nigerians is unacceptable and represents a painful reminder of the failure of the security architecture to protect vulnerable communities.
HURIWA also draws attention to the abduction of 11 schoolchildren from Akwondo village in Kachia Local Government Area on April 16, 2026. Weeks after their kidnapping, there has been no visible nationwide mobilisation comparable to the response witnessed in other high-profile cases.
Equally troubling is the reported abduction of 42 children by Boko Haram terrorists in Mussa community of Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. Some of the victims are reportedly toddlers and very young children whose only crime was being born in a region continuously targeted by terrorists.
These children deserve the same urgency, commitment, and deployment of resources that have rightly been directed toward securing the release of the Oyo schoolchildren.
HURIWA therefore calls on the President, the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, and all relevant security agencies to immediately launch coordinated rescue operations aimed at securing the unconditional release of:
The 37 worshippers abducted from Ariko village, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The 11 schoolchildren kidnapped from Akwondo village in Kaduna State.
The 42 children abducted from Mussa community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Federal Government must demonstrate through action that no Nigerian community is forgotten and no victim is abandoned because of geographical location, ethnic identity, or religious affiliation.
We further urge security agencies to provide regular public briefings on efforts being made to rescue these victims and dismantle the criminal networks responsible for these atrocities.
HURIWA stands in solidarity with the affected families whose loved ones have remained in captivity for weeks and months under unimaginable conditions. Their pain must not be ignored and their cries for help must not go unanswered.
The Nigerian state has a constitutional obligation to protect lives and secure the freedom of every citizen. We therefore demand immediate, decisive, and visible action to rescue all those still held captive by terrorists and bandits across the country.
Every hostage matters.
Every life counts.
Justice delayed is justice denied.
Signed:
Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko National Coordinator Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
1st June, 2026
