**Rights Group Urges President to Crush, Not Coddle Terrorists
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the armed attack on a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West LGA, Kogi State, calling it a direct affront to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declared national security emergency.
Eyewitnesses reported that armed bandits stormed the service, abducting the pastor, popularly known as Orlando, his wife, and several worshippers. Congregants scattered in fear as gunmen advanced, according to Mr. Adegboyega Oguns, who was present during the assault.
The attack came barely a day after armed men ambushed the Isanlu Makutu–Idofin route in neighbouring Yagba East, forcing residents and travellers to flee. The number of worshippers kidnapped in Sunday’s incident remains unclear.
HURIWA said the attacks underscore a deepening insecurity across Kogi, leaving residents confined indoors and travellers avoiding affected routes. The group condemned the “brazen, ruthless and targeted” assault on Christian worshippers, linking it to Fulani extremist groups operating with near impunity across parts of northern Nigeria.
The organisation reminded the government that nearly 200 students abducted in Niger State remain in captivity under harsh conditions, recalling the November 21 kidnapping of 315 students and staff of St. Mary’s School, Papiri, Niger State. Fifty students escaped, but hundreds remain unaccounted for, highlighting the administration’s ongoing failure to secure schools.
HURIWA criticised Tinubu’s security emergency as lacking strategy, timeline, and operational clarity, accusing the administration of begging terrorists to release hostages instead of deploying decisive force. The group condemned the policy of amnesty, reintegration, and rehabilitation for terrorists as unconstitutional, immoral, and counterproductive.
Political impunity and nepotistic appointments in top security positions — including Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, alleged to be past retirement age, and the President’s kinsmen in key posts — were cited as major reasons for the failing security architecture. HURIWA also accused the government of failing to prosecute terrorism financiers, allegedly due to political considerations ahead of 2027.
“The President’s refusal to confront terrorists decisively endangers Nigerian lives. Stop cuddling them. Crush them. Nigeria’s survival depends on it,” HURIWA said.