The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has dismissed claims by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, that over 13,000 terrorists have been killed and 17,000 arrested since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.
In a statement on Saturday, HURIWA said the government’s “propaganda” is no longer credible, citing the continued presence of armed Islamic and Fulani terrorists in states including Niger, Kwara, Borno, and Kebbi.
“Given widespread access to information, Nigerians can no longer be persuaded by half-truths or unverifiable statistics,” HURIWA said. The rights group stressed that the only way to convince citizens of success in the fight against terrorism is transparent evidence showing the substantial defeat of these terror groups.
HURIWA questioned the minister on the withdrawal of military troops from a government girls’ school in Kebbi State, hours before terrorists abducted 25 students and killed the vice principal. They also cited recent attacks, including: The Catholic school abduction in Niger State, Attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Kwara State and the Slaughter of a Nigerian Army General in Borno State
“These incidents happened despite security warnings and demonstrate the government’s inability to protect citizens,” HURIWA said.
The group further criticized the federal policy of rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant terrorists, describing it as a factor emboldening criminal networks.
HURIWA concluded by urging President Tinubu to resign if he cannot ensure the protection of schoolchildren and citizens, warning that the country risks sliding into a failed state if government officials continue to mislead Nigerians and fail in their constitutional duties.