The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Federal Government to disclose the full circumstances surrounding the release of schoolchildren, teachers and other victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying Nigerians deserve to know how they regained their freedom.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group welcomed the victims’ release after more than 50 days in captivity but insisted that the government should provide a detailed account of the operation.
HURIWA also urged President Bola Tinubu to apologise to the victims and Nigerians over what it described as the government’s failure to prevent the abduction. It further demanded ₦50 million compensation for each victim to aid their rehabilitation, psychological recovery and reintegration into school.
“We rejoice with the victims and their families, but the Federal Government owes Nigerians the whole truth about what transpired,” the organisation said.
The rights group questioned whether the victims were rescued during a security operation or released after negotiations, stressing that the public should be informed of the process that led to their freedom.
“If there was a rescue operation, Nigerians should also be informed of the outcome, including whether any suspects were arrested,” HURIWA stated, adding that transparency would boost public confidence in the country’s response to kidnapping and other violent crimes.
While expressing relief over the victims’ freedom, the association said the incident exposed weaknesses in Nigeria’s security architecture, insisting that schools must remain safe places for learning. It also referenced the reported killing of a teacher during the abduction and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
HURIWA further urged the federal government to fully implement the Safe Schools Initiative by strengthening intelligence gathering, surveillance systems and rapid response mechanisms around educational institutions nationwide.
The group also appealed to the National Assembly to enact stricter measures against the diversion of security funds, arguing that prudent management of security resources is essential to combating kidnapping and other security threats.
It equally called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still in captivity, including schoolchildren abducted in different parts of the country.
“The release of the Oyo victims should serve as a reminder of the urgent need to protect schools and ensure that no Nigerian child is exposed to such an ordeal again,” the statement added.
HURIWA urged the government to adopt a combination of transparency, accountability and stronger security measures to address the growing threat of mass abductions across the country.
