The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised the Federal Government over what it described as a disturbing imbalance in its security priorities, accusing authorities of acting swiftly to thwart a coup in the Republic of Benin while showing reluctance in rescuing hundreds of abducted schoolchildren in Nigeria.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement on Monda questioned how Nigerian security forces could rapidly mobilise military assets, including fighter jets, to protect democracy in a neighbouring country, yet struggle to decisively rescue all 265 students reportedly abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State.
HURIWA recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu publicly commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their prompt response to Benin Republic’s request for assistance, which led to the foiling of a military coup and the restoration of constitutional order.
According to the group, Nigeria’s air and ground intervention in Benin demonstrated the capacity and readiness of the military to act decisively when there is political will.
However, HURIWA described it as “painfully ironic” that the same speed and resolve have not been deployed to confront terrorists and kidnappers operating freely within Nigeria, particularly those responsible for mass abductions of schoolchildren.
The organisation noted that the government recently announced the rescue of 100 out of the 265 abducted children in Niger State, but without providing clarity on how the release was secured or whether any of the perpetrators were arrested.
“This raises serious questions about why Nigeria can act with force and precision beyond its borders, yet appears hesitant and ineffective when Nigerian children are taken hostage on Nigerian soil,” the statement said.
HURIWA warned that failing to decisively confront kidnappers encourages impunity and sends the wrong signal that criminals can operate without consequences.
The group stressed that protecting the lives and future of Nigerian children should be a higher priority than demonstrating regional military strength.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s role in promoting democracy and stability in West Africa, HURIWA insisted that “charity must begin at home,” urging the Federal Government to apply the same urgency, resources and political will used in Benin Republic to rescue all abducted children and dismantle terrorist networks within the country.
HURIWA Knocks FG: Swift Benin Coup Intervention, Slow on Kidnapped Nigerian Children
