The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Federal Government to provide a full account of the circumstances surrounding the release of the schoolchildren, teachers and other victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, insisting that Nigerians deserve to know how the captives regained their freedom.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group welcomed the release of the victims after spending more than 50 days in captivity but maintained that the government owes the public a detailed explanation of the operation that secured their freedom.
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 that each victim be paid ₦50 million as compensation to support 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 association questioned whether the victims were rescued during a military or security operation or released following negotiations, stressing that transparency is essential in strengthening public trust in the country’s fight against kidnapping.
“If there was a rescue operation, Nigerians should also be informed of the outcome, including whether any suspects were arrested,” HURIWA stated, adding that openness would boost confidence in the government’s response to violent crimes.
While expressing relief over the victims’ safe return, the group said the incident exposed serious weaknesses in Nigeria’s security architecture, insisting that schools must remain safe environments for learning.
HURIWA also referenced the reported killing of a teacher during the abduction and called for the perpetrators to be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
The organisation urged the Federal Government to fully implement the Safe Schools Initiative by enhancing intelligence gathering, surveillance systems and rapid response mechanisms around educational institutions across the country.
It further appealed to the National Assembly to enact stricter measures to prevent the diversion of security funds, arguing that prudent management of security resources is critical to tackling kidnapping and other security threats.
The rights group also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the freedom of other Nigerians still being held captive, 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 curb the growing menace of mass abductions and improve public confidence in the nation’s security system.
