The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has described as disappointing and unfortunate the failure of the Federal and state governments to rescue 177 worshippers abducted by terrorists more than three weeks ago.

The group said the inability of the President to fulfil the constitutional obligation to protect lives and property, which it noted is the primary duty of government, was reminiscent of a failed nation.

Three churches in Kaduna State were attacked and 177 worshippers kidnapped on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
HURIWA blamed the Kaduna State Government for allegedly reaching a truce with terrorists, linking the continued attacks, especially in Christian communities in Southern Kaduna, to the reported arrangement.

The rights group questioned whether money allegedly paid to terrorists under a so-called peace agreement had been exhausted, leading to renewed attacks on mainly Christian communities in expectation of further payments.

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai had alleged that N1 billion was paid to terrorists to halt attacks on communities in the state, an allegation denied by the Kaduna State Government. Former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani also debunked El-Rufai’s claim.

In a related development, HURIWA condemned the invasion by terrorists in Agwara town, headquarters of Agwara Local Council of Niger State, where a Divisional Police Station was burnt, a church raided and at least five people kidnapped yesterday.

The group described the continued attacks on communities in Niger State as shameful, saying security forces were expected to have effective mechanisms in place to prevent such incidents.

National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said: “We condemn these incessant terrorist attacks on Nigerians, and especially we denounce the systematic targeting of Christians and the destruction of their churches just as we call on the Federal Government to act swiftly to put an end to these attacks that have led to the killings of thousands of Nigerians in these needless and bloody attacks.”