By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has called on the military and other security agencies in the country to discreetly investigate, the latest terror attack on Maradun village, which lead to the death of two villagers and displacement of many.
Expressing deep concern over the escalating insecurity in the North West Zone, the National Coordinator, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement said, urged the security forces to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack to ascertain if there are any political motivations behind it.
He stated that the timing of the assault, coinciding with a barrage of media attacks directed at Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle for his unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, raises suspicions of possible political dimensions to the violence.
He expressed the urgent need for relevant authorities delve into this matter to uncover any potential links to political interests and ensure that justice is served.
According to him, “The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has vehemently condemned the widely reported despicable act of terrorism that recently struck Maradun town, the headquarters of Maradun L. G. A of Zamfara State, and the hometown of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. According to media reports, in the early hours of Friday, terrorists, commonly known as bandits, launched a brutal assault on the town, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives and the abduction of approximately 30 residents, including women, children, and adults. The attackers, reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons, unleashed terror upon the community, shooting indiscriminately and pillaging homes.
“In the aftermath of Matawalle’s comments advocating steadfast support for President Tinubu’s administration, voices of dissent arose, challenging the minister’s stance and calling for retraction and apology. Matawalle had emphasized the imperative of collective solidarity and unwavering loyalty to the government’s initiatives aimed at advancing the nation’s interests”.
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HURIWA, also called upon the federal government to redouble its efforts in bringing an end to the vicious cycle of violence plaguing the North West region, highlighting that the persistent attacks by insurgents and bandits have inflicted untold suffering upon innocent civilians and pose a grave threat to the security and stability of the nation.
The prominent civil rights advocacy group reminded that it is incumbent upon the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens by implementing robust measures to combat terrorism and restore peace to the affected areas.
In light of recent developments, HURIWA reiterated the importance of absolute loyalty and unity among all appointed officials, especially those from the Northern region, towards President Tinubu’s administration.
The association further stressed that Minister Matawalle’s advocacy for 100% loyalty to the government’s initiatives is rooted in the imperative of collective solidarity and unwavering support for the nation’s interests, just as it stated that this stance is not only justified but also essential for the continuity of developmental efforts initiated by the current administration.
