The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA), has expressed grave concern over the escalating insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following the abduction of a family and others by suspected bandits in Kubwa.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, has been condemned by HURIWA in the strongest terms, with the group describing it as evidence of a growing security vacuum in the nation’s capital.
The group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, in an issued statement, called on FCT residents to petition President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to prioritize the safety and well-being of the territory’s inhabitants.
Onwubiko stated that from eyewitnesses account, over 30 gunmen, armed with AK-47 rifles, invaded the residence of Adefija Michael Akinropo, abducting him, his wife, son, and elder brother. He said the attackers also targeted a nearby poultry farm, kidnapping one man and injuring his wife in the process.
He alleged that despite the gravity of the situation, the FCT Police Command was yet to issue an official statement, criticizing what he described as “the apparent lack of urgency and effective strategy in addressing the escalating insecurity in the FCT”.
The rights group condemned “misplaced priorities by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike”. According to HURIWA, the minister appears more preoccupied with political battles in his home state of Rivers and controversial urban remodeling projects in Abuja, rather than addressing the mounting insecurity that threatens lives and properties in the capital.
The association highlighted the direct link between the growing insecurity in the FCT and the political distractions of its leadership.
HURIWA warned that the unchecked rise in insecurity within the FCT is a direct affront to the rights of citizens to safety and well-being. “Insecurity in the FCT has reached alarming levels, with armed bandits terrorizing communities and threatening the lives of residents. This failure of governance is a gross infringement on the fundamental rights of Nigerians living in the capital,” the group stated.
HURIWA also encouraged FCT residents to organize peaceful petitions and demonstrations to demand action from the government.
The association further called on President Tinubu to take immediate steps to restore security in the FCT by issuing clear directives to security agencies and holding those responsible for lapses accountable. It also demanded that the President remind the FCT minister of his primary responsibility to safeguard the lives and properties of Abuja residents.
