By Citizenship Daily
The International Organization for Human Rights Development and Environment (IOHRDE), an arm of the United Nations has strongly condemned the recent attack on the staff quarters of the Government Secondary School in Tsafe, Zamfara State, which led to the killing of Malam Kabiru and the abduction of three women including his wife.
This was according to a statement issued by Comrade Akinyemi Ojo Adebayo, Chairman of the Governing Board of the International Organization For Human Rights Development and Environment which described it as act of violence committed by suspected bandits.
It described the act as a flagrant violation of human rights and an alarming indicator of the escalating insecurity in parts of Nigeria.
According to it, reports indicated that Malam Kabiru was shot and killed after courageously resisting an attempt to be abducted by the assailants.
His wife and two other female residents of the staff quarters were subsequently kidnapped and are currently in the hands of their captors, while their safety remains uncertain.
It further said that the IOHRDE unequivocally condemned this senseless and inhuman act of violence, adding that the cold-blooded killing of Malam Kabiru and the abduction of innocent civilians represent a heinous violation of the fundamental rights to life, security and freedom from violence.
“Such attacks not only strike at the heart of innocent communities but also undermine the rule of law and the safety of every citizen within the nation. The loss of Malam Kabiru’s life and the trauma inflicted on his family and the affected communities are tragedies that must not be overlooked.
“We call upon the Nigerian government to take immediate and decisive action to address the growing insecurity in the country, particularly in the northern regions where incidents of abductions and violent crime have become rampant. The government must ensure that all necessary resources and support are made available to the relevant law enforcement agencies to pursue the perpetrators of this crime and bring them to justice.
“Furthermore, the government must prioritize the safety and security of its citizens, particularly vulnerable communities, by implementing comprehensive measures to combat banditry, abductions, and other forms of organized crime. These measures should include strengthening security forces, increasing intelligence-sharing among agencies, and enhancing community-based safety initiatives.
“We urge the Executive Governor of Zamfara State to take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, particularly those in rural and vulnerable areas, where such violent acts are becoming increasingly common.
“The governor must collaborate with the federal government, the Nigerian Police, and other security agencies to address the root causes of insecurity in the state and adopt effective strategies to prevent such tragedies in the future. It is critical that local authorities provide greater protection to educational institutions and their staff, as they are often targeted by criminals who seek to instill fear in the community.
“We commend the Nigerian Police and other security operatives for their swift response to this tragedy, including the deployment of tactical units to track down the perpetrators. However, we call for sustained efforts to bring those responsible to justice, ensuring that the victims’ families receive the closure and justice they deserve. We also urge the Nigerian Police to prioritize the rescue of the kidnapped women and ensure their safe return to their families.
“In addition, we emphasize the need for improved coordination among law enforcement agencies and a stronger focus on intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks operating in the region. The Nigerian Police must be given the necessary support, both in terms of resources and training, to effectively combat the growing wave of criminality and safeguard the lives of innocent civilians.
“The IOHRDE stands in solidarity with the families of Mallam Kabiru and the abducted women, as well as the people of Zamfara State. We demand immediate action from the Nigerian government, the Governor of Zamfara State, and the Nigerian Police to ensure that justice is served and that future acts of violence are prevented.
“We urge the international community to continue supporting Nigeria in its efforts to combat insecurity and promote human rights for all citizens, ensuring that tragedies like this are not repeated. We remain hopeful that the Nigerian authorities will act swiftly to bring the victims to safety and provide justice to the families affected by this senseless violence”, the statement said.
