Security
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA expresses outrage and deep concern over the horrifying video showing a University of Jos student, John Arum Azi, being tortured by armed bandits after his abduction along the Kaduna–Jos highway.
This disturbing incident, in which the victim was forced to plead for his life in a video recorded and circulated by his captors, represents a new low in the escalating crisis of insecurity in Nigeria. It is a grim reminder that criminal elements now operate with brazen impunity, exploiting the weakness of state response and the absence of deterrence.
HURIWA notes that this tragedy is not isolated. The recent abduction of students travelling in Benue State to sit for JAMB examinations further highlights a dangerous pattern—young Nigerians are increasingly being targeted simply for pursuing education. This is unacceptable and reflects a catastrophic failure of governance.
The Association is deeply troubled by what appears to be the lack of decisive and forceful leadership from the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in confronting terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers who have turned vast parts of the country into killing fields and ransom economies.
Equally worrisome is the inertia of the National Assembly of Nigeria, which has failed to enact a robust and time-bound legal framework to address kidnapping as a national emergency. Why has there been no urgency to pass comprehensive legislation that ensures swift justice for kidnappers? Why are trials prolonged endlessly while victims suffer and perpetrators regroup?
HURIWA raises critical questions that reflect the growing frustration of Nigerians: Are there powerful individuals within the political class shielding or benefiting from kidnapping networks? Why have security and financial intelligence agencies such as the Department of State Services and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission not aggressively tracked the financial flows associated with ransom payments, which often run into millions and even billions of naira?
Kidnapping has become a structured criminal enterprise. Until its financial architecture is dismantled, it will continue to thrive.
HURIWA therefore calls for urgent and coordinated national action, including:
The establishment of special anti-kidnapping courts with expedited timelines to ensure swift justice.
A comprehensive financial surveillance regime targeting ransom payments and illicit cash flows.
The creation of a national joint task force integrating all security agencies for rapid response and intelligence-led operations.
Immediate security reinforcement of major highways and known flashpoints across the country.
Decentralisation of national examinations to reduce the need for vulnerable long-distance travel by students.
Deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, including biometric tracking and facial recognition systems.
Institutional support systems for victims and their families, including trauma care and financial assistance.
Concrete, measurable security benchmarks to be met by all levels of government ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nigeria cannot continue on this trajectory. The torture of a young student and the abduction of examination candidates must serve as a wake-up call. The protection of lives is the primary responsibility of government, and failure in this regard erodes the legitimacy of the state.
HURIWA insists that this moment demands courage, urgency, and accountability—not silence, excuses, or delay.
Signed: COMRADE Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator, HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA).
A.I
April 17, 2026
Tags: COMRADE Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko HURIWA John Arum Azi