By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised the alarm over what it described as the devastating economic and social consequences of Nigeria's worsening security crisis, warning that the escalating violence across the country now poses a direct threat to national survival.

The position was contained in a statement signed by HURIWA's National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, who cited findings from the latest Nigeria Violent Conflicts Database released by Nextier, revealing that 842 Nigerians were killed, 279 kidnapped and 156 violent attacks recorded nationwide in May 2026 alone

Describing the figures as shocking, the group said the data represented a 90.1 per cent increase in fatalities, a 51.5 per cent rise in violent attacks and a 19.7 per cent increase in kidnappings compared to the same period in 2025.

"These shocking figures confirm that Nigeria is facing one of the most dangerous security crises in its modern history," HURIWA said.

The association noted that behind the statistics were stories of families torn apart, livelihoods destroyed and communities devastated.

"HURIWA notes that behind every statistic is a human tragedy: breadwinners murdered, children orphaned, women widowed, communities displaced, businesses destroyed and dreams permanently shattered," the statement said.

It warned that beyond the tragic loss of lives, insecurity had become "the single greatest threat to Nigeria's economic stability, national cohesion, democratic development and international reputation."

According to HURIWA, Nigeria is steadily losing its appeal as a destination for investment, tourism, commerce and industrial growth due to widespread perceptions that lives and property are no longer adequately protected.

"Today, investors across the world carefully assess security risks before committing resources to any economy. Unfortunately, Nigeria's rising profile as a hotspot for terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, armed robbery and other sophisticated crimes is discouraging both local and foreign direct investments," it stated.

The group added that businesses were increasingly scaling down operations, relocating to safer environments or shelving expansion plans altogether.

"The consequences are evident in rising unemployment, declining productivity, reduced industrial output, capital flight and worsening poverty levels," HURIWA said.

It further lamented the impact of insecurity on Nigeria's tourism industry, saying fear generated by kidnappings and violent attacks had resulted in declining visitor numbers, reduced hotel occupancy and revenue losses across the hospitality value chain.

The association also expressed concern over the effect of violence on agriculture, noting that many farmers had abandoned their farmlands due to attacks by bandits and other criminal groups.

"Vast hectares of farmland have been abandoned, food production has declined, rural economies have been disrupted and food inflation has worsened, thereby deepening hunger and hardship across the country," it said.

HURIWA observed that the education sector had not been spared, with recurring attacks on schools and the abduction of students creating fear among parents and disrupting learning.

The organisation said the financial burden of insecurity had become overwhelming, with governments diverting resources meant for healthcare, infrastructure and social services towards emergency security responses.

"Businesses spend huge sums on private security arrangements, while communities are forced to develop self-help mechanisms for survival," the statement noted.

HURIWA aligned itself with the views of security experts, Jamilu Musa and Dr. Chukwuma Okoli, who argued that peacebuilding initiatives should be judged by tangible outcomes rather than the number of conferences and sensitisation programmes organised.

"The true measure of success must be reflected in safer communities, declining violence, strengthened social cohesion, improved public trust and enhanced resilience of vulnerable populations," the association quoted the experts as saying.

The group called on the Federal Government to adopt a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to addressing insecurity through intelligence-driven policing, improved welfare for security personnel, judicial reforms, stronger border management and technology-based crime

prevention measures.

It also urged state governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations to tackle the underlying causes of violence, including poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and weak governance structures.

"The disturbing figures for May 2026 should serve as a national emergency warning," HURIWA said.

"A nation cannot achieve sustainable development, attract investments, create jobs, promote tourism, guarantee food security or strengthen democracy while violence continues to claim hundreds of lives monthly."

The association added: "Nigeria's security crisis has evolved beyond a law enforcement challenge; it has become a direct threat to national development, economic prosperity and the collective future of over 200 million citizens."

It concluded by insisting that "the time for half-measures has passed," urging authorities to demonstrate decisive leadership capable of restoring peace, protecting lives and rebuilding public confidence in the state's ability to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.