HURIWA asks DSS to probe political motive behind Kaduna attacks

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has asked the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate possible political motives behind renewed killings and abductions in Southern Kaduna, following reports of fresh attacks on rural communities.

The group said the timing of the violence, coming shortly after reports that Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani had selected a Christian from Southern Kaduna as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, warranted an intelligence investigation.

HURIWA, however, stressed that it was not accusing any individual or political group of sponsoring the attacks, but wanted security agencies to establish whether there was any connection between political developments and the renewed violence.

In a statement on Friday, its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, said the recurrence of attacks and their timing raised questions that should not be ignored by intelligence agencies.

The group urged the DSS to investigate whether anyone was sponsoring violence to destabilise Kaduna State, adding that those found responsible should be identified and prosecuted.

HURIWA cited 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.

The association also recalled previous attacks on communities in the area, including an Easter Sunday assault on Ariko, where five people were reportedly killed at the scene, while another 17 died in captivity.

It also reported an attack on Awon community, during which two residents were killed and 11 abducted. Some of the abducted victims reportedly regained their freedom, while others died in captivity.

Beyond the killings and abductions, HURIWA raised concerns over allegations that armed groups were imposing illegal levies on residents and preventing them from accessing their ancestral farmlands.

The association described the alleged practices as serious human rights violations and threats to the livelihoods of affected communities.

It said, “The people of Southern Kaduna deserve to live, farm and worship without fear of being killed or abducted.”

The group demanded the immediate rescue of the 20 residents reportedly abducted from Akwando, as well as other victims still being held by their captors.

Despite its concerns over the security situation, HURIWA commended Governor Sani for his efforts to tackle terrorism and restore security in the state.

It specifically acknowledged his collaboration with security agencies and his position against allowing terrorists to operate with impunity.

The rights group urged the governor to sustain engagements with security institutions, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community representatives to strengthen peace-building efforts.

It also appealed to residents, irrespective of their religious, ethnic and political affiliations, to support initiatives aimed at restoring lasting peace.

HURIWA called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Director-General of the DSS to treat the renewed attacks as an urgent national security concern.

It demanded the deployment of adequately equipped security personnel to Akwando, Ariko, Awon and other vulnerable communities.

The group also called for permanent security posts, regular patrols and effective early-warning mechanisms to prevent further attacks.

It urged security agencies to coordinate operations to rescue abducted residents and investigate allegations of extortion and restrictions on access to farmlands.

Those found responsible for the killings, abductions, illegal levies and other abuses, it said, should be prosecuted.

The association further called for humanitarian assistance for displaced residents, survivors and families affected by the attacks.

It warned political actors against exploiting insecurity to promote religious divisions, ethnic hostility or electoral interests.

HURIWA maintained that peace efforts in Southern Kaduna must go beyond public assurances and be backed by effective protection of vulnerable communities, accountability and respect for fundamental human rights.