The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the gruesome terrorist attack on Naridon Village in Kamaru Ward of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the massacre of innocent women, children and farmers as another tragic reminder that terrorists remain determined to undermine peace, national unity and food security.

HURIWA said Wednesday in a statement that “the reported midnight invasion of the predominantly farming community, during which scores of innocent residents were allegedly slaughtered in their sleep and homes set ablaze, is a barbaric act against humanity that demands an immediate, coordinated and uncompromising security response from both the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government.”

The rights group extended its heartfelt condolences “to the bereaved families, the people of Southern Kaduna and all peace-loving Nigerians over this heartbreaking tragedy, while praying for the quick recovery of those injured and the safe rescue of every person reportedly abducted during the attack.”

HURIWA in the statement signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, expressed grave concern that the renewed wave of terrorist incursions into Southern Kaduna “comes at a period when Kaduna State has made noticeable efforts towards rebuilding trust, promoting reconciliation and fostering inclusive governance after years of deep political, ethnic and religious divisions.”

The association warned that regardless of the identities or motives of the perpetrators, the renewed violence must not be allowed to reverse the fragile gains recorded in restoring confidence among the diverse peoples of Kaduna State.

It noted that “Governor Uba Sani's administration has consistently projected a governance philosophy anchored on inclusion, dialogue, fairness and equitable distribution of development projects across the state, departing from the politics of exclusion that fuelled mistrust in previous years.”

HURIWA particularly applauded Governor Uba Sani for nominating Mr. Jerry Adams, a respected Christian technocrat from Southern Kaduna, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, describing the decision as “a bold demonstration of statesmanship and a practical affirmation that every section of Kaduna State deserves equal opportunity, representation and a genuine sense of belonging.”

According to HURIWA, the choice of a running mate from Southern Kaduna sends a powerful message that governance should unite rather than divide the people along ethnic or religious lines.

The association said the decision aligns with the governor's publicly stated commitment to justice, equity, fairness and inclusive governance, values that are indispensable for sustainable peace in a state as diverse as Kaduna.

HURIWA also urged the Federal Government to understudy and adapt effective security strategies successfully deployed in other parts of the country, including the coordinated security model credited with facilitating the rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, with a view to strengthening intelligence gathering, rapid response capabilities and hostage rescue operations in Southern Kaduna.

The rights group stressed that every kidnapped resident must be rescued alive and every terrorist responsible for the massacre, as well as those financing, harbouring or aiding them, must be identified, arrested and brought to justice in accordance with the law.

HURIWA further called on security agencies to intensify intelligence-driven operations rather than merely reacting after attacks have occurred, insisting that communities repeatedly targeted by terrorists deserve proactive protection through improved surveillance, community intelligence partnerships and sustained deployment of security personnel.

The association appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and community stakeholders across Kaduna State to resist every attempt to inflame ethnic or religious tensions in the aftermath of the attack, warning that terrorists often seek to provoke reprisals and deepen communal divisions.

"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 remaining united and supporting lawful efforts to restore peace and security."

HURIWA reaffirmed that lasting peace in Kaduna State can only be sustained through inclusive governance, justice, equitable development and a robust security architecture capable of protecting every community irrespective of religion, ethnicity or geographical location.

The association pledged its solidarity with the people of Southern Kaduna and urged the Federal Government to demonstrate, through decisive action, that every Nigerian life is equally valuable and worthy of protection.

Update news