By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to immediately intensify rescue efforts for dozens of Nigerians still being held captive by terrorists and bandits, particularly 37 worshippers abducted from Ariko village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State nearly two months ago.

The rights group said while it welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a swift response to the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, similar urgency must be extended to all victims of kidnapping across the country, irrespective of their location, religion or ethnic background.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA described the continued captivity of the victims as unacceptable and a painful reflection of the country's lingering security challenges.

According to the group, “every Nigerian life carries equal value regardless of ethnicity, religion, region or political consideration,” adding that government actions must reflect that principle.

Concern over Ariko church attack

HURIWA recalled that armed attackers reportedly invaded three churches in Ariko village on Easter Sunday, killing seven worshippers and abducting 37 others, including women, children, a pregnant woman and an elderly visually impaired person.

The association lamented that despite the passage of several weeks, the victims remain in captivity.

“The continued detention of these innocent Nigerians is unacceptable and represents a painful reminder of the failure of the security architecture to protect vulnerable communities,” the statement said.

The group added that the plight of the Ariko worshippers should not be overshadowed by other security incidents receiving national attention.

Akwondo schoolchildren not forgotten

The organisation also drew attention to the abduction of 11 schoolchildren from Akwondo village, also in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on April 16, 2026.

According to HURIWA, there has been no visible nationwide mobilisation comparable to the response witnessed in some other high-profile kidnapping cases.

“We strongly insist that every Nigerian life carries equal value,” the group stated, arguing that rescue operations should not be influenced by geography, religion, ethnicity or media attention.

The rights body maintained that all victims of abduction deserve the same level of commitment and deployment of state resources.

Alarm over abducted children in Borno

HURIWA further expressed concern over reports that 42 children were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in Mussa community, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The association noted that some of the victims were reportedly toddlers and very young children.

“These children deserve the same urgency, commitment and deployment of resources that have rightly been directed toward securing the release of the Oyo schoolchildren,” the statement said.

The group described the situation as deeply troubling and called for immediate intervention to secure the release of the children.

Demand for coordinated action

HURIWA urged President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services and other security agencies to launch coordinated rescue operations aimed at securing the unconditional release of all those still in captivity.

Specifically, the organisation demanded urgent action to rescue the 37 worshippers abducted from Ariko village, the 11 schoolchildren kidnapped from Akwondo village and the 42 children reportedly abducted from Mussa community.

“The Federal Government must demonstrate through action that no Nigerian community is forgotten and no victim is abandoned because of geographical location, ethnic identity or religious affiliation,” HURIWA stated.

The association also called on security agencies to provide regular public updates on efforts being made to rescue the victims and dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the kidnappings.

Solidarity with affected families

HURIWA expressed solidarity with families whose loved ones remain in captivity, saying their pain and anxiety should not be ignored.

“Their pain must not be ignored and their cries for help must not go unanswered,” the statement added.

The group stressed that the Nigerian state has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and guarantee the freedom of citizens.

“We therefore demand immediate, decisive and visible action to rescue all those still held captive by terrorists and bandits across the country,” Onwubiko said.

Reiterating its position, HURIWA concluded: “Every hostage matters. Every life counts. Justice delayed is justice denied.”