The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the abduction of a Catholic seminarian and another worshipper during Sunday Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inoyi, Affa, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, describing the attack as proof that insecurity remains a major threat despite official assurances.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group said the daring invasion of a church by armed kidnappers exposed serious gaps in the state’s security framework and demanded an immediate rescue operation to free the victims unharmed.
HURIWA urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to launch a coordinated manhunt for the abductors, insisting that every passing hour increases the danger facing those in captivity.
“The attack on innocent worshippers inside a church is a despicable act of terrorism and an assault on the constitutional right of Nigerians to freely practise their religion without fear,” the group said.
The organisation also took a swipe at the Enugu State Government, urging Governor Peter Mbah to focus more on tangible security interventions than public relations efforts portraying the state as safe.
“It is no longer enough to issue reassuring statements while criminal elements continue to strike communities, highways and even churches. The safety of citizens must take precedence over propaganda. The government must confront the reality on the ground and respond with decisive security measures,” HURIWA stated.
The rights group called on the governor to strengthen intelligence gathering, expand surveillance in vulnerable communities and deepen collaboration with federal security agencies and local stakeholders to prevent further attacks.
It also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible intelligence rather than resorting to self-help.
Expressing solidarity with the Catholic Church, the families of the victims and the people of Affa community, HURIWA prayed for the safe and immediate release of the abducted seminarian and the other worshipper.
The group maintained that only visible and effective security action—not official assurances—would restore public confidence and reassure residents that their lives and places of worship are adequately protected.