HURIWA Condemns Kaduna Terror Attack, Warns Against Derailing Peace Efforts

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the recent terrorist attack on Naridon Village in Kamaru Ward of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, warning that those behind the assault must not be allowed to derail the state’s hard-won progress in peace, reconciliation and inclusive governance.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group described the midnight attack, which reportedly claimed the lives of scores of women, children and farmers, as a barbaric crime against humanity requiring an immediate and coordinated response from the federal government and the Kaduna State Government.

HURIWA said the attackers allegedly stormed the predominantly farming community while residents were asleep, killing innocent people, setting houses ablaze and abducting several others.

The association extended its condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Southern Kaduna, while praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and the safe return of those abducted.

Expressing concern over the resurgence of violence, HURIWA noted that the attack came at a time when Kaduna State was making significant progress in rebuilding trust among its diverse ethnic and religious communities after years of political and communal tensions.

It warned that the perpetrators were attempting to reverse the fragile gains already recorded in fostering unity and restoring public confidence.

“The objective of terrorism is not merely to kill innocent people but also to destroy trust, create fear and fracture communities. Nigerians must deny terrorists that victory by remaining united and supporting lawful efforts to restore peace and security,” the statement said.

The group commended Governor Uba Sani’s administration for promoting inclusive governance, dialogue and the equitable distribution of development projects across Kaduna State, describing the approach as a departure from policies that had previously deepened divisions.

HURIWA also praised the governor’s reported decision to nominate Mr. Jerry Adams, a Christian technocrat from Southern Kaduna, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, saying the move reflected fairness, equity and inclusive leadership.

According to the association, the nomination sends a strong message that governance should unite rather than divide citizens along ethnic or religious lines.

“No amount of violence or intimidation should be allowed to frustrate ongoing efforts aimed at healing old wounds and consolidating peaceful coexistence among the various religious and ethnic communities in Kaduna State,” HURIWA stated.

The rights organisation urged the federal government to strengthen military and intelligence operations across vulnerable communities in Southern Kaduna by deploying additional surveillance assets and maintaining a sustained security presence in areas prone to terrorist attacks.

It also called on security agencies to adopt proactive, intelligence-led operations instead of responding only after attacks occur. HURIWA recommended studying successful security models deployed in other parts of the country, including operations credited with rescuing abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, to enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities.

The association further insisted that all those abducted during the Naridon attack must be rescued alive and that everyone responsible for the killings, including those financing or harbouring terrorist groups, should be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Beyond security measures, HURIWA appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and community stakeholders to resist attempts to inflame ethnic or religious tensions in the aftermath of the attack.

It maintained that lasting peace in Kaduna State can only be achieved through justice, equitable development, inclusive governance and a robust security architecture capable of protecting every community, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or geographical location.

Reaffirming its solidarity with the people of Southern Kaduna, HURIWA urged the federal government to demonstrate through decisive action that every Nigerian life is equally valuable and deserving of protection.