The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate possible political interests behind the renewed killings and abductions in parts of Southern Kaduna.
The group raised concerns over the timing and repeated nature of the attacks, particularly following reports that Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, had selected a Christian from the region as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
In a statement issued, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, said the association was not drawing premature conclusions but insisted that the circumstances surrounding the violence warranted urgent intelligence assessment.
He called on the DSS to determine whether the renewed attacks were connected to recent political developments, stressing that anyone found sponsoring violence to destabilise Kaduna State must be identified and prosecuted.
The association cited the recent 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 reported by the Kuturmi Unity Development Association through its President, Joseph Ariko, and Publicity Secretary, Manasseh Akwando.
HURIWA also recalled an Easter Sunday attack on Ariko community, which reportedly left five people dead at the scene, while another 17 victims died in captivity. It further referenced an attack on Awon community that claimed two lives and led to the abduction of 11 residents, some of whom later regained their freedom, while others reportedly died in captivity.
The group expressed additional concern over allegations that armed groups were imposing illegal levies on residents and preventing them from accessing their ancestral farmlands. It said such actions, if confirmed, would constitute serious violations of fundamental human rights and threaten the livelihoods of affected communities.
HURIWA demanded the immediate rescue of the 20 residents abducted from Akwando, alongside other victims still being held captive. It also commended Governor Sani’s efforts to address insecurity, particularly his administration’s collaboration with security agencies and its opposition to granting terrorists impunity.
The association urged the governor to sustain engagements with security institutions, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community representatives to strengthen peace-building efforts. It also called on residents, regardless of their religious, ethnic or political backgrounds, to support initiatives aimed at restoring lasting peace.
HURIWA appealed to President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede and DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi to treat the renewed attacks as an urgent national security matter.
It called for the deployment of adequately equipped security personnel to Akwando, Ariko, Awon and other vulnerable communities, as well as the establishment of permanent security posts, regular patrols and effective early-warning systems.
The association further demanded coordinated operations to secure the release of abducted residents, investigations into allegations of extortion and restrictions on farmland access, and the prosecution of anyone found culpable. It also urged authorities to provide humanitarian support for displaced residents, survivors and families affected by the violence.
HURIWA warned political actors against exploiting the insecurity to fuel religious divisions, ethnic hostility or electoral interests, insisting that residents of Southern Kaduna had the right to live, farm and worship without fear of violence or abduction.
