The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) is demanding transparency from the Federal Government regarding the circumstances under which 137 schoolchildren abducted in Kaduna were released, without any apparent arrest or confrontation with the terrorists. The group, led by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, expressed skepticism over the government’s narrative, suggesting that if no ransom was paid and a rescue operation was indeed carried out, it raises questions about the absence of any terrorist casualties or arrests during the operation.
HURIWA criticized the government for propagating what it perceives as a misleading narrative about the rescue operation, questioning the validity of claims that no ransom was paid and that the children were safely rescued without any confrontation with the abductors. The advocacy group is challenging the Federal Government to provide concrete evidence of the rescue operation, including details on the engagement with the terrorists and the reasons behind the lack of arrests or casualties among the abductors.
Moreover, HURIWA condemned statements made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, which suggested that the kidnapped children were unharmed, arguing that the very act of abduction constitutes a severe form of emotional and psychological trauma. The group is advocating for professional psychological counseling for the children to help them recover from the distressing experience.
Additionally, HURIWA has voiced its support for the government’s decision to invite Sheikh Ahmad Gumi for questioning over his alleged associations with kidnappers and bandits, indicating a need for clarity on his stance and relationships with criminal elements.
The group’s critique extends to the broader issue of government accountability and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security apparatus, lamenting the failure to prevent the kidnapping and the apparent lack of significant repercussions within the security agencies following the incident. HURIWA’s call for transparency and accountability from the Federal Government underscores the critical need for a robust and effective response to the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, including the protection of vulnerable populations such as schoolchildren from the threat of terrorism and kidnapping.
