By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the continued killings in Plateau and Benue states, describing the situation as a reflection of leadership failure and demanding urgent intervention from authorities.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group expressed “grave outrage and deep concern over the persistent and escalating killings in Plateau and Benue States,” noting that the attacks, allegedly carried out by armed groups, have led to loss of lives and displacement of communities.

HURIWA said the repeated attacks “have exposed a dangerous pattern of weak response, policy failure, and troubling silence from both the Plateau and Benue State governments,” warning that the situation has left citizens vulnerable.

The group particularly criticised the Benue State Government, stating that “the earlier dismissal of claims of genocide, even in the face of mounting local and international concerns, is deeply troubling,” and accused authorities of choosing denial over decisive action.

It also raised concerns about Plateau State, where, according to HURIWA, “the governor has publicly acknowledged that several rural communities are effectively under the control or occupation of armed groups, yet no commensurate action has been taken.”

“This amounts to an abdication of the fundamental duty of government — to protect lives and property,” the statement added.

HURIWA noted that the killings have persisted since the inauguration of the current federal administration, with several communities experiencing repeated attacks and displacement.

“The continued loss of lives in these states reflects not just a security failure, but a moral crisis in governance,” the group stated.

The organisation called for immediate arrest and prosecution of perpetrators, recovery of occupied communities, enhanced security deployment, and transparent communication from government authorities.

It further urged the Federal Government to review the country’s security architecture and provide humanitarian support for affected communities.

HURIWA warned that “continued inaction or inadequate response risks deepening public distrust, fuelling cycles of violence, and undermining national unity,” stressing that decisive action is urgently needed to address the crisis.