The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the wave of coordinated attacks by terrorist groups and criminal gangs across several Nigerian states over the weekend, describing them as part of a “relentless and bloody war” on the Nigerian people.
According to the rights group, at least 131 people were killed in separate incidents carried out by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP militants, armed bandits, and kidnappers in Borno, Katsina, Edo, and Sokoto States.
In a statement released Sunday by Emmanuel Onwubiko, its National Coordinator, HURIWA said the attacks are clear evidence of an escalating security crisis in the country, and warned that Nigeria is at risk of further destabilisation if urgent and effective action is not taken.
According to the group, one of the deadliest incidents occurred in Darul Jama, a village in Borno State near the Cameroon border, where suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram fighters reportedly massacred at least 55 villagers, including six soldiers, during a Friday night assault.
“Eyewitnesses and local militia sources said the terrorists arrived on motorcycles, opened fire indiscriminately, and set homes ablaze.
“The community had only recently resettled after years of displacement due to insurgent violence.
“This massacre is a tragic reminder that terrorists still operate with alarming impunity in the North-East,” HURIWA stated, lamenting the prolonged failure to protect vulnerable rural communities.
It also noted that in Katsina State, seven people were killed late Friday night when bandits attacked Magajin Wando village in Dandume Local Government Area.
Nasir Mu’azu, the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the attack and credited the timely response of security forces for preventing a higher death toll.
HURIWA praised the intervention, noting that it “demonstrated a new, more proactive posture by security agencies” and urged that such rapid response mechanisms be institutionalised across all conflict-prone regions.
“In a rare show of community resistance, residents of Shagari and Bimasa communities in Sokoto State launched counterattacks against bandits following repeated raids in Shagari and Tureta LGAs.
“The villagers, armed with locally made weapons, reportedly killed at least 15 attackers, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered stolen livestock”, the group reported.
HURIWA also applauded the villagers’ courage but warned that such actions underline the growing desperation and lack of confidence in formal security protections.
Meanwhile, in Edo State, eight operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were killed in an ambush on Friday targeting a convoy escorting Chinese expatriates working with BUA Cement.
Four Chinese workers were kidnapped; three were later rescued, but one remains missing, according to NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale.
HURIWA described the ambush as “a national security embarrassment” and urged Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, to ensure that “such a lapse never happens again.”
“The attack shows the urgent need for enhanced synergy and real-time support between Nigeria’s security agencies.
“Whenever one unit is under threat, sister agencies must be ready to respond swiftly and decisively”, the group said.
HURIWA expressed cautious optimism about recent improvements in the cooperation between the military and the Department of State Services (DSS), but reiterated its call for accelerated prosecution of terrorists and mass killers,criticisingg what it sees as the “sluggish pace” of justice delivery in Nigeria.
The group also highlighted the over 65,000 lives lost to terrorism and banditry in Nigeria over the past decade, describing the situation as a national tragedy that requires urgent reform in both military and judicial sectors.
HURIWA further commended the evolving leadership strategies under Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff and called for greater public support for the armed forces in the war on terror.
“There are encouraging signs that our security forces are adapting, but they must dominate the war environment consistently.
“The pride of a nation is in its ability to protect its citizens. We must not allow non-state actors to dictate the terms of peace and war in Nigeria”, the group stated
HURIWA urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, cooperative with security agencies, and united in the face of the ongoing threat, noting that “only through collective action can the tide be turned in the war against terror.”
