The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on political leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to declare a national emergency on kidnappings in light of recent incidents, including the murder of a Zenith Bank staff in Suleja and a Roman Catholic Monk in Ilorin.
HURIWA condemned the escalating cases of kidnappings in the country, emphasizing the need for a joint effort by the federal and state governments to address the crisis. The organization urged the President to direct the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, as well as the National Security Adviser, to collaborate with states in developing a framework for declaring kidnapping a national emergency.
HURIWA also recommended amending criminal laws to classify kidnapping as a capital offense, establishing special courts for expedited trials, and ending moratoriums on the execution of convicted persons in cases of kidnapping.
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The rights group highlighted the alarming statistics of kidnappings and associated casualties, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive law reforms and political will to combat the pervasive crime. The statement was released by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, on November 21, 2023.
