The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a strong call for the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the Minister of State for Defence, Senator Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to resign from their positions in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's campaign council. The group argues that their involvement in political activities is inappropriate given the alarming rise in insecurity across the nation.

In a statement released by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA emphasized that the ministers should redirect their efforts towards their primary responsibilities of overseeing national defence and counterterrorism initiatives. The organization highlighted that the Defence Ministry's urgent duty is to enhance the capabilities of military and security agencies to safeguard citizens and combat terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes.

HURIWA's appeal comes in response to a series of reported attacks throughout Nigeria, including a disturbing incident in which worshippers were allegedly abducted during Friday prayers in Dekara village, Niger State. The group condemned these abductions, which involved women, children, and the elderly, labeling them as “unacceptable” and a grave infringement on fundamental human rights.

The association also expressed concern over a viral video purportedly showing numerous abducted individuals. While acknowledging the need for official verification regarding the video's authenticity and the exact number of victims, HURIWA stated that the severity of the situation necessitates an urgent and coordinated response from the federal government.

HURIWA urged both the Federal Government and the Niger State Government to intensify efforts to locate the abducted worshippers and ensure their safe return. The group called for immediate rescue operations for those held captive by terrorists and kidnappers in various states, including Borno, Niger, and Kogi.

The organization stressed that the fight against terrorism and kidnapping should remain non-political, urging President Tinubu to prioritize the protection of Nigerian lives by directing relevant officials to focus solely on their constitutional duties. HURIWA also called for enhanced security measures for vulnerable communities in states like Benue and Plateau, which have been plagued by recurrent attacks.

In its statement, HURIWA condemned violence against civilians, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds, and called for the identification and prosecution of those responsible for such acts. The group criticized the lack of timely and accurate information provided to families of abducted individuals, urging the government to offer regular updates instead of allowing communities to depend on unverified social media reports.

HURIWA demanded improved intelligence gathering and better coordination among security agencies, alongside stronger protections for schools, places of worship, and other vulnerable sites. The organization concluded by asserting that the safety of Nigerians must take precedence over electoral ambitions or political interests, urging the government to act decisively to rescue those in captivity and restore public confidence in Nigeria's security framework.