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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned what it described as persistent leadership failures at both state and federal levels over the continued killings in Plateau State and Benue State, warning that the situation reflects a deepening moral and security crisis in the country.
In a press statement issued by its National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko on Thursday, he expressed grave outrage and deep concern over the escalating wave of violence allegedly carried out by armed Fulani groups, which it said has led to widespread loss of lives and displacement of vulnerable communities.
HURIWA accused authorities in the affected states of demonstrating weak response mechanisms and policy failures, noting that the recurring attacks have exposed citizens to danger while perpetrators operate with impunity.
The group particularly faulted the Benue State Government for what it described as an earlier dismissal of claims suggesting genocidal patterns in the attacks, despite growing local and international concerns. It noted that reports from a visiting United States Congressional delegation had raised alarm over targeted violence against predominantly Christian communities in parts of Northern Nigeria.
The statement was signed by HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko.
In Plateau State, HURIWA said it was deeply troubled by official admissions that several rural communities are under the control of armed groups, without corresponding efforts to reclaim such territories or ensure the safe return of displaced residents.
“Such admissions, without decisive action, amount to an abdication of the fundamental duty of government to protect lives and property,” the statement said.
The association further observed that the killings have persisted since the inauguration of the current federal administration, with repeated attacks, mass casualties, and widespread displacement recorded across communities in both states.
According to HURIWA, the continued bloodshed must not be normalised or downplayed, warning that failure to act decisively could further erode public trust and threaten national unity.
To address the crisis, the group called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals and groups responsible for the attacks, stressing that there must be no “sacred cows.”
It also urged the Federal Government to collaborate with state authorities to reclaim communities reportedly under the control of armed groups and restore lawful governance in those areas.
HURIWA further demanded the deployment of sustained, intelligence-driven security operations in vulnerable communities, including the establishment of rapid response units to prevent further attacks.
The group emphasised the need for transparency, urging both Plateau and Benue State governments to provide consistent and truthful briefings on security developments, rather than what it described as contradictory or politically motivated narratives.
It also called for urgent humanitarian intervention, including compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement plans for victims and displaced persons affected by the violence.
Additionally, HURIWA urged the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s national security strategy to address the root causes of the recurring attacks.
“Nigeria cannot afford a situation where citizens are abandoned to their fate while armed groups operate with impunity,” the group stated.
“The sanctity of human life must be upheld, and justice must not only be done but seen to be done.”