The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on relevant security authorities to ensure the immediate rescue of abducted schoolchildren and their teachers in Oyo State.

The appeal followed the successful rescue of the younger sister of a former Minister of Power and her twin sons from the custody of kidnappers.

Commending security agencies for the successful operation, HURIWA said the rescue demonstrated that positive outcomes are achievable when intelligence-driven and coordinated strategies are effectively deployed.

The group stressed that the urgency of the situation involving the abducted schoolchildren could not be overstated, warning that prolonged captivity exposes victims to severe physical, psychological and emotional trauma.

“Swift action is necessary to prevent any irreversible harm from befalling these innocent children and their teachers. The safety and security of Nigerian citizens remain the primary responsibility of government,” the group stated.

HURIWA also urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu and all security institutions to demonstrate unwavering commitment toward defeating terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other violent non-state actors threatening national stability.

“Nigeria must not surrender any part of its territory or any segment of its population to criminal elements. The time for decisive, intelligence-led and sustained action is now,” the group added.

MEANWHILE, HURIWA condemned the killing of three personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) by suspected terrorists and bandits along the Tsamiya–Illo Road in Bagudo Local Council of Kebbi State.

HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement, described the killing of Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Umar Aliyu, Senior Road Marshal Assistant Ezra Manu Gona and Road Marshal Assistant I Mansur Ibrahim Nasir as another tragic reminder of the worsening security crisis confronting the country.

The group noted that the officers were carrying out their lawful duties when they were attacked and killed by armed criminals. HURIWA described the attack as an affront to the authority of the Nigerian state and a direct assault on public servants who daily risk their lives to ensure public safety.

The organisation also extended condolences to the families of the slain officers, the leadership of the FRSC and the government and people of Kebbi State.

It further called on the military, police, intelligence services and other security agencies to intensify coordinated operations aimed at identifying, apprehending and prosecuting the perpetrators of the attack.

“Nigerians can no longer continue to live under the constant threat of terrorist attacks, kidnappings and violent criminality,” the group stated.