The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to declare kidnappers as terrorists and prescribe the severest punishment of death by hanging. This appeal comes in light of a recent security report by SBM Intelligence, which revealed that at least 257 people were kidnapped in Nigeria’s Southeast between July 2024 and June 2025.

Alarming Statistics

According to the report, Enugu State recorded the highest number of kidnapped persons, with 123 cases, followed by Anambra (63), Imo (42), Ebonyi (2), and Abia (27). Kidnappers in the Southeast demanded N1.005 billion in ransom but only received N157.55 million. HURIWA expressed disappointment that the government has failed to appreciate the severity of the kidnapping crisis, which has had debilitating effects on the national economy.

Link Between Terrorism and Kidnapping

HURIWA highlighted a report by the International Society For Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (InterSociety), which stated that 19,100 churches were destroyed by terrorists in Nigeria over the past 16 years. The group noted a nexus between terrorism and kidnapping, citing the abductions and killings of Christian clerics by terrorists.

Recent Abduction Incident

The group condemned the abduction of Reverend Father Wilfred Ezemba of St. Paul Parish, Agaliga-Efabo in Kogi State, and urged the government to take comprehensive and effective steps to combat kidnappings. HURIWA called on the President, governors, and legislators to overhaul the legislative and enforcement mechanisms to combat kidnappings.

Call to Action

HURIWA appealed to the Governors of South-East states and other stakeholders to convene an emergency meeting to address the insecurity in the region and collectively call on the President to declare kidnappers as terrorists. The group also urged the National Assembly to amend the counter-terrorism law to reflect the changes and make kidnapping a capital offense .