HURIWA condemns Nardion attack, urges FG, Kaduna gov’t to beef up oost security

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has condemned the recent terrorist attack on Nardion Village in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, warning that the perpetrators must not be allowed to undermine the state’s hard-won progress toward peace and inclusive governance.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group described the midnight assault as a barbaric act against humanity. According to HURIWA, the attackers invaded the predominantly farming community while residents were asleep, killing many women, children, and farmers, setting homes ablaze, and abducting several others.

The association expressed condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Southern Kaduna, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and the safe return of those reportedly kidnapped during the attack.

HURIWA expressed concern that the renewed violence occurs at a time when Kaduna State has been making efforts to rebuild trust among its diverse ethnic and religious communities after years of political and communal tensions.

“The objective of terrorism is not merely to kill innocent people but also to destroy trust, create fear, and fracture communities. Nigerians must deny terrorists that victory by staying united and supporting lawful efforts to restore peace and security,” the statement said.

The group warned that those behind the attacks aim to reverse the fragile gains already made in restoring confidence across the state.

It noted that Governor Uba Sani’s administration has consistently promoted inclusive governance, dialogue, and equitable distribution of development projects across Kaduna State, describing the approach as a shift from policies that previously deepened divisions.

HURIWA also praised the governor’s reported decision to nominate *Mr. Jerry Adams*, a Christian technocrat from Southern Kaduna, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election. The group called the move a demonstration of fairness and inclusive leadership.

“According to the group, the decision sends a strong signal that governance should unite rather than divide citizens along ethnic or religious lines.”

“No amount of violence or intimidation should be allowed to hinder ongoing efforts to heal old wounds and promote peaceful coexistence among Kaduna State’s various religious and ethnic communities,” HURIWA stated.

The rights organization urged the *Federal Government* to enhance military and intelligence operations in vulnerable communities across Southern Kaduna by deploying additional surveillance equipment and maintaining a persistent security presence in areas prone to terrorist attacks.

It called on security agencies to adopt proactive, intelligence-led strategies rather than responding only after attacks occur. HURIWA recommended studying successful security models used in other parts of the country, including operations credited with rescuing abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, to improve intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities.

The association insisted that every person abducted during the Nardion attack must be rescued alive, and those responsible for the killings, including individuals funding or sheltering terrorists, should be identified, arrested, and prosecuted according to the law.

Beyond security efforts, HURIWA appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and community stakeholders to resist efforts to inflame ethnic or religious tensions after the killings.

The group maintained that sustainable peace in Kaduna State can only be achieved through justice, fair development, inclusive governance, and a strong security system capable of protecting every community, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or location.

Reaffirming its solidarity with the people of Southern Kaduna, HURIWA urged the Federal Government to show through decisive action that every Nigerian life is equally valuable and deserving of protection.