The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the immediate rescue of a Catholic seminarian and another worshipper abducted by gunmen during Sunday Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Inoyi, Affa, in Udi Local Council of Enugu State.

In a statement issued yesterday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group condemned the attack, describing the invasion of a place of worship as a “despicable act of terrorism” against innocent and unarmed citizens.

The association expressed concern over what it described as the increasing boldness of criminal gangs in Enugu State, warning that the latest incident raises fresh questions about the effectiveness of the state’s security architecture.

HURIWA urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to launch a coordinated operation to rescue the abducted victims and ensure that those responsible for the attack are apprehended and prosecuted.

According to the group, every passing hour heightens the risk to the victims, making it imperative for security agencies to treat the rescue mission as a matter of national urgency.

The organisation also challenged the Enugu State Government to strengthen efforts to protect life and property across the state, saying practical security measures should take precedence over public relations campaigns.

“It is no longer enough to issue reassuring statements while criminal elements continue to strike communities, highways and even churches. The safety of citizens must take precedence over propaganda.

The government must confront the reality on the ground and respond with decisive security measures,” the statement read.

HURIWA called on Governor Peter Mbah to improve intelligence gathering, expand security surveillance in vulnerable communities and deepen collaboration with federal security agencies, local vigilante groups and community leaders to prevent further attacks.

The association further appealed to residents to remain vigilant, provide credible intelligence to security agencies and avoid taking the law into their own hands while efforts to rescue the victims continue.

It expressed solidarity with the Catholic Church, the families of the abducted victims and the people of the Affa community, while praying for the safe and immediate release of those in captivity.

The group warned that attacks on places of worship undermine public safety and threaten Nigerians’ constitutional right to practise their religion freely without fear.