The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has called on the Department of State Services to investigate possible political motives behind renewed killings and abductions in Southern Kaduna.
The association raised the alarm over the recurrence of attacks in the area, warning against the possibility of politicians exploiting insecurity ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
HURIWA specifically urged the DSS to establish whether the attacks were connected to Governor Uba Sani’s reported decision to pick a Christian from Southern Kaduna as his running mate for the forthcoming election.
The group, however, said it was not drawing conclusions but insisted that the circumstances surrounding the renewed violence required urgent intelligence investigation.
In a statement issued on Friday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, called for the identification and prosecution of anyone found sponsoring violence to destabilise Kaduna State.
The association’s demand followed the latest attack on Akwando community in Kachia Local Government Area, where two people were reportedly killed and 20 others abducted on Wednesday, November 4.
The incident was disclosed by the Kuturmi Unity Development Association through its President, Joseph Ariko, and Publicity Secretary, Manasseh Akwando.
HURIWA recalled that an Easter Sunday attack on Ariko community claimed five lives at the scene, while 17 other victims reportedly died in captivity.
It also cited an attack on Awon community, where two people were killed and 11 others abducted. Some of the victims reportedly regained their freedom, while others died in captivity.
The rights group expressed further concern over allegations that armed groups were imposing illegal levies on residents and preventing them from accessing their ancestral farmlands.
It described the alleged actions as serious violations of fundamental human rights and threats to the livelihoods of affected communities.
HURIWA demanded the immediate rescue of the 20 residents abducted from Akwando and other victims still being held captive.
The association also called on security agencies to investigate allegations of extortion and restrictions on access to farmlands, warning that residents should not be abandoned to armed groups.
It urged President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff and the DSS Director-General to treat the attacks as an urgent national security concern.
The group demanded the deployment of adequately equipped security personnel to Akwando, Ariko, Awon and other vulnerable communities.
It also advocated permanent security posts, regular patrols and effective early-warning mechanisms to prevent further attacks.
HURIWA, however, commended Governor Uba Sani for his efforts to tackle terrorism and restore security in Kaduna State.
It acknowledged the governor’s collaboration with security agencies and his position against granting terrorists impunity for their atrocities.
The association urged the governor to sustain engagements with traditional rulers, religious leaders, security institutions and other community stakeholders to strengthen peace-building efforts.
It also appealed to residents to support initiatives aimed at restoring lasting peace, irrespective of their religious, ethnic and political differences.
Warning against the politicisation of insecurity, HURIWA said political actors must not exploit the killings and abductions to promote religious division, ethnic hostility or electoral interests.
It insisted that residents of Southern Kaduna deserved to live, farm and worship without fear of being killed or abducted.
The association said peace-building efforts must be backed by effective security protection, accountability and respect for fundamental human rights.
