By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expresses outrage over the continued silence and apparent lack of concrete public information concerning the fate of hundreds of citizens abducted during the August 22 attack on communities in Niger State.

HURIWA in a statement signed by it national coordinator,Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko said the reported abduction of about 600 residents of Dekera, Gidan-Zana and Sabon Gida, alongside the reported killing of at least 40 people, represents a grave national security and humanitarian emergency that the Federal Government must not treat as another routine security incident.

The rights group said it is particularly disturbed by reports that families of the victims have received no communication from the kidnappers for two weeks, while government authorities have also failed to provide them with clear information on rescue operations.

HURIWA says Nigerians deserve to know what concrete measures the security agencies are taking to locate the victims and bring them home safely.

The association notes that President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to rescue the hostages but stresses that presidential directives must translate into visible and measurable action.

“A presidential order to rescue abducted citizens cannot end as a statement in the media. Nigerians need results. Families need information. The abducted citizens need to come home alive,” HURIWA says.

The association describes as deeply disturbing the account of a family whose relative is reportedly abducted barely one week after giving birth.

According to reports, the woman is taken alongside her husband and three children, including the newborn baby. HURIWA says such circumstances expose the brutal human cost of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

“What kind of country allows a mother and her newborn baby to disappear into the hands of armed criminals while government agencies remain unable to tell the family what they are doing to rescue them?” the group asks.

HURIWA also condemns the reported destruction of homes and displacement of residents following the attack.

The association says government responsibility does not end with the deployment of soldiers after an attack, insisting that displaced victims require food, shelter, medical assistance and protection from further attacks.

“Citizens whose homes are reduced to ashes cannot be abandoned to the mercy of the rains and hunger. The government has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property,” HURIWA says.

The rights group urges the Federal Government, Niger State Government and security agencies to immediately provide families with credible and regular updates on the rescue operation.

HURIWA also demands an urgent investigation into how the attackers are able to carry out what residents describe as a large-scale and coordinated assault resulting in mass abductions and killings.

“The government must explain how hundreds of Nigerians can be taken hostage in a single operation without an effective intervention. Nigerians cannot continue to live in communities where terrorists and kidnappers determine who lives, who dies and who disappears,” HURIWA says.

The association calls on the security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated operations aimed at locating the abducted citizens while ensuring that any rescue mission prioritises the safety of the victims.

HURIWA further urges the government to establish a dedicated communication channel through which affected families can receive verified information about rescue efforts.

The association warns that prolonged silence could deepen public distrust and leave victims’ families feeling abandoned by the state.

“Every abducted Nigerian is a citizen whose life is protected by the Constitution. Their families are not asking for charity. They are demanding the most basic duty of government — protection of life and the safe return of their loved ones,” HURIWA says.

HURIWA therefore demands urgent action, transparent communication and accountability over the mass abduction, stressing that the government must demonstrate that the lives of ordinary Nigerians are not expendable.

By David Owei

All Progressives Congress APC) chieftain in Bayelsa State, Dr Kojo Sam, has vowed to deliver 100 percent of the votes for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Dr Kojo Sam stated this during a consultative visit by the Chairman of Bayelsa APC, Hon Warman Weri Ogoriba, and members of the State Working Committee at his country home in Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Kojo Sam, a businessman and philanthropist, declared that he is unwavering in his unalloyed support for President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress and would ensure Bayelsa East is delivered to the President.

He explained that his support for the APC, which dates back to its formation in 2013, is predicated on the ideals and ideological direction of the party, which is geared towards improving the lives of Nigerians.

Dr Kojo commended President Tinubu for his bold economic reforms, which, according to him, are already yielding fruits, with stability in the macroeconomic indices in the country.

He dismissed efforts of opposition parties to make inroads in Bayelsa East, stressing that the people of Bayelsa East, especially in Nembe and Brass, are in full support of President Tinubu’s re-election.

Dr Kojo also applauded Governor Douye Diri for his leadership and peaceful disposition, which has strengthened the APC at the grassroots.

He seized the opportunity to commend Hon Ogoriba for conducting the affairs of the party in a transparent manner, which has given all members a sense of belonging.

‘’ Today I have the privilege of hosting the APC Bayelsa State Executive Committee at my country home in Okpoama, Brass. We had a very productive and frank discussion on the future of the party in Bayelsa, strengthening our structures and promoting unity. I commend the leadership of Governor Douye Diri and the party chairman for the inclusive leadership which has strengthened the party. I want to assure the party that in 2027 President Bola Tinubu will coast to victory in Bayelsa East.

Hon Ogoriba, in his remarks, described Dr Kojo Sam as a critical stakeholder whose support for the APC has been instrumental in the several victories recorded by the party.

According to him, the consultative visit was to appreciate Dr Kojo Sam for his steadfast contributions, commitment and sacrifices towards the advancement of the party and its electoral fortunes.

Hon Ogoriba noted that the APC leadership in the state has total confidence in the ability of Dr Kojo Sam to galvanise the people of Bayelsa East towards the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

He noted that the visit allowed the party leadership to deliberate with Dr Kojo Sam on strengthening the party at the grassroots, fostering greater unity among party stakeholders.

By Our Correspondent

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled its governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the 2027 general elections in 28 states.

The party announced the candidates in a statement on Friday, saying the move underscored its commitment to providing Nigerians with credible leadership and a viable political alternative ahead of the elections.

Among the notable candidates are Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour in Lagos State, Isa Mohammed Ashiru in Kaduna, Great Ogboru in Delta, Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita in Katsina and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in Kebbi.

The ADC is also fielding candidates in Adamawa, Kano, Rivers, Oyo, Ogun, Plateau, Zamfara and other states.

The party said the candidates would fly its flag in the 2027 elections, describing them as representatives of its commitment to offering Nigerians credible leadership and a “real alternative”.

Full list of ADC governorship and deputy governorship candidates
Abia: Kalu Kalu Agu — Governor; Alozie Ogadinma Darlington — Deputy Governor
Adamawa: Modibbo Hammantukur Ribadu — Governor; Aguwa Kevin Iliya — Deputy Governor
Akwa Ibom: Akpanudoedehe John James — Governor; Nsien Mkpombuk Tommy — Deputy Governor
Bauchi: Senator Halliru Dauda Jika — Governor; Sama’ila Mohammed Kabir — Deputy Governor
Benue: Rt. Hon. Herman Iorwase Hembe — Governor; Abba John Abba — Deputy Governor
Borno: Babagana Buhari — Governor; Mamman Dauda — Deputy Governor
Cross River: Nkoyo Toyo — Governor; Okwoche Andrew Adagbor — Deputy Governor
Delta: Chief Great Ogboru — Governor; Afiari Gloria — Deputy Governor
Ebonyi: Ukpai Mba Udeh — Governor; Onwe Daniel Ede — Deputy Governor
Enugu: Ocho Obodoeze Chukwuma — Governor; Eze Arinze Christopher — Deputy Governor
Gombe: Bala Bello — Governor; Bala Sani Isa — Deputy Governor
Jigawa: Sabo Mohammed Nakudu — Governor; Musa Ya’u Balarabe — Deputy Governor
Kaduna: Isa Mohammed Ashiru — Governor; Kantiok Irmiya Ishaku — Deputy Governor
Kano: Ibrahim Ali Amin — Governor; Shehu Abdulkadir Bari — Deputy Governor
Katsina: Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita — Governor; Aminu Yar’adua Ahmed — Deputy Governor
Kebbi: Abubakar Malami — Governor; Zagi Musa Mohammed — Deputy Governor
Kwara: Zakari Mohammed — Governor; Olawuyi Julius Olayide — Deputy Governor
Lagos: Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour — Governor; Gbadamosi Babatunde Olalere — Deputy Governor
Nasarawa: Nuhu Angbazo — Governor; Ahmed Yusuf — Deputy Governor
Niger: Dr Mohammed Kpautagi — Governor; Musa Mamman — Deputy Governor
Ogun: Biodun Collins Ogundipe — Governor; Muraina Oluwaranti Oluyemi — Deputy Governor
Oyo: Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke — Governor; Wahab Adeniyi — Deputy Governor
Plateau: Brig. Gen. John Sunday Sura — Governor; Pwajok-Kele Chundung Bitrus — Deputy Governor
Rivers: Gabriel Pidomson — Governor; Okumgba David Amapakaye — Deputy Governor
Sokoto: Manir Mohammad Daniya — Governor; Isah Bello Ambarura — Deputy Governor
Taraba: Abubakar Umar Tutare — Governor; Kwetishe Haruna Kwenyan — Deputy Governor
Yobe: Kassim G. Gaidam — Governor; Kori Lawan Mohammed — Deputy Governor
Zamfara: Shinkafi Bilyaminu Yusuf — Governor; Muhammad Abdulmuddalib Auwal — Deputy Governor
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The unveiling comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the ADC positioning itself as a major alternative to the established political parties.