HURIWA

Author: Gist Correspondent

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed grave concern over the worsening security situation in the country, warning that the escalating wave of violence poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic growth, social stability and national survival.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group cited data from the latest Nigeria Violent Conflicts Database published by Nextier, which recorded 842 deaths, 279 kidnappings and 156 violent incidents across the country in May 2026 alone.

According to HURIWA, the figures represent a significant increase compared to the same period in 2025, with fatalities rising by 90.1 per cent, violent attacks by 51.5 per cent and kidnappings by 19.7 per cent.

Describing the statistics as alarming, the association said the numbers underscore the severity of the security crisis confronting the nation and highlight the urgent need for decisive government intervention.

The group stressed that behind the grim statistics are thousands of families and communities whose lives have been shattered by violence, displacement and economic hardship.

HURIWA noted that insecurity has evolved beyond a public safety concern to become a major obstacle to national development, warning that conti nued violence could undermine democratic governance, economic prosperity and social cohesion.

The organisation argued that Nigeria's growing reputation as a hotspot for terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts and other violent crimes is discouraging both local and foreign investors from committing resources to the country.

According to the group, many businesses are either scaling down operations, relocating to safer environments or suspending expansion plans due to security concerns, resulting in job losses, reduced productivity and increased poverty levels.

HURIWA further lamented the adverse impact of insecurity on the tourism sector, stating that frequent reports of kidnappings and violent attacks have weakened visitor confidence and contributed to declining patronage within the hospitality industry.

The association also highlighted the effect of violence on agriculture, noting that attacks on farming communities have forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands, leading to reduced food production and worsening food inflation.

It warned that disruptions in agricultural activities are deepening hunger and hardship across the country while weakening rural economies that depend heavily on farming for survival.

The group expressed concern over the education sector, pointing to recurring attacks on schools and the abduction of students, which have created fear among parents and disrupted academic activities in several parts of the country.

HURIWA also observed that the financial burden of insecurity is placing enormous pressure on both government and private sector resources, with authorities increasingly divertig responses.

The organisation ediverti6yyyyy calls by security experts, including Jamilu Musa and Dr. Chukwuma Okoli, for peacebuilding initiatives to be assessed based on measurable improvements in public safety rather than the number of conferences and awareness programmes conducted.

According to the association, successful peacebuilding efforts should translate into safer communities, reduced violence, stronger social cohesion and greater public confidence in state institutions.

HURIWA urged the Federal Government to adopt a comprehensive strategy that combines intelligence-driven policing, improved welfare for security personnel, judicial reforms, enhanced border security and the deployment of modern technology to combat crime.

The group also called on state governments, traditional institutions, religious leaders and civil society organisations to address underlying drivers of violence such as poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and weak governance, insisting that the country can no longer afford a piecemeal response to a crisis that threatens its future.