The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the deadly attack on Kwalajiya Village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where over 20 people were reportedly killed by terrorists, describing it as a tragic reminder of the urgent need to intensify the war on terror in Nigeria.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, HURIWA called on the Nigerian military and police to adopt “progressive and strategic methodologies” to eradicate the terrorists responsible for such bloodletting and ensure the protection of citizens.
“It is time to deploy technology-driven combat measures to safeguard the lives of citizens who are being killed in their tens and hundreds by terrorists,” the group said. “We are duty-bound to remind both the Sokoto State government and the President of Nigeria that their primary constitutional responsibility is to protect citizens and their property from wanton attacks, bloodletting, and destruction.”
The rights group also criticized the Nigeria Police Force for failing to adequately protect rural communities, saying:
“It is unfortunate that the police, fundamentally charged with internal security, have failed abysmally to do so, thereby exposing millions of rural dwellers to frequent bloody attacks by armed groups bearing sophisticated weapons of mass destruction.”
Citing media reports, HURIWA described the early Tuesday morning attack as “harrowing,” with eyewitnesses recounting how heavily armed men stormed the village, firing indiscriminately and setting homes ablaze. Many villagers, including women and children, were feared dead, while several others remained unaccounted for as of press time.
Reports also indicate that the village head fled to Sokoto city for safety and was taking refuge with relatives, having narrowly escaped the violence. His current condition remains unclear.
Confirming the attack, the Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufae, acknowledged the incident but declined to provide further details, citing ongoing investigations.
While the motive behind the attack has not been officially confirmed, local sources cited by HURIWA allege it may have been linked to the village head’s reported refusal to allow intermarriage between community members and individuals affiliated with the Lakurawa terrorist group. However, these claims remain unverified.
HURIWA warned that the attack underscores persistent insecurity in parts of Sokoto State and the growing influence of armed groups in rural areas. The group called on state and federal authorities to urgently step up efforts to protect vulnerable populations and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“It is sad that armed terrorists are allowed to operate freely in rural communities and unleash violence without any quick response from the armed forces of Nigeria and the police, which is primarily charged with maintaining internal security and enforcing the law,” the group added.
HURIWA urged the military and police hierarchy to implement “foolproof and proactive security measures” to curb the wave of unrelenting terrorist attacks, describing the assaults as “cowardly, despicable, and reprehensible.”
The group further demanded that those behind the killings be swiftly arrested, prosecuted, and severely punished, while calling for victims’ families to be compensated to the tune of N100 million each by both the state and federal governments.
