By Ojochenemi Onje
Copyright businessday
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to urgently amend the counter-terrorism law to classify kidnappers as terrorists and prescribe the death penalty for offenders, following a surge in abductions across the Southeast.
The group made the demand in reaction to a new security report by SBM Intelligence, which revealed that at least 257 people were kidnapped in the Southeast between July 2024 and June 2025.
The figure, according to the study, represents 5.6 per cent of the 4,722 abductions documented nationwide within the same period.
The SBM report, titled “Locust Business – The Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry: A 2025 Update”, showed that Enugu State recorded the highest number of victims with 123 cases, followed by Anambra with 63, Imo with 42, Abia with 27, and Ebonyi with two.
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It further revealed that while kidnappers in the region demanded N1.005 billion in ransom, only N157.55 million was paid, which represents 6.1 per cent of the N2.56 billion collected nationwide.
HURIWA expressed disappointment that, despite mounting evidence of kidnappings undermining national security and the economy, federal and state authorities have not taken decisive steps.
The association accused political leaders of prioritising their personal security over public safety.
“We hope the government is not waiting for one of the governors or a very prominent national legislator to be abducted before swift and effective steps are taken to combat kidnappings,” HURIWA warned.
The group also drew attention to a report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), which documented the destruction of 19,100 churches by terrorists in Nigeria over the last 16 years.
It argued that the link between terrorism and kidnappings is evident in the abductions and killings of Christian clerics.
Citing a recent case, HURIWA condemned the abduction of Reverend Father Wilfred Ezemba of St. Paul Parish, Agaliga-Efabo, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident, which has thrown the Catholic community into confusion, was described as further proof of the “cancerous spread” of kidnappings nationwide.
Another priest, Reverend Father Michael, told reporters that the abductors had yet to make any contact three days after the incident.
Read also: HURIWA bemoans killing of over 130 Nigerians in weekend attacks
“Our confusion is high because, since his abduction, his abductors have not demanded ransom. But we are confident that Almighty God will deliver him safely. We strongly believe in the efficacy of our prayers,” he said.
Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, criticised Southeast governors for their perceived complacency, singling out Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma for spending excessive time in Abuja rather than addressing insecurity in his state.
The group urged Southeast political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the organised private sector to urgently convene a security summit to proffer homegrown solutions.
It further appealed to them to collectively pressurise President Tinubu to declare kidnappers terrorists and make kidnapping a capital offence.
“Governors must also be willing to sign execution warrants in record time to eradicate kidnappers from Nigeria as soon as practicable,” HURIWA stated.
