By Isaac Mission
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue a Catholic seminarian and another worshipper abducted during an attack on St. Joseph Catholic Church, Inoyi, Affa Community, in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the organisation strongly condemned the attack, describing the invasion of a place of worship as a grave assault on innocent citizens and an unacceptable act of violence.
HURIWA expressed concern over what it described as the growing activities of criminal gangs in parts of Enugu State, warning that the incident raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of existing security measures.
The rights group appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies to work together in a coordinated operation aimed at rescuing the victims safely and bringing those responsible for the attack to justice.
According to the organisation, every moment the victims remain in captivity increases the danger to their lives, making the rescue mission an urgent priority.
HURIWA also urged the Enugu State Government to strengthen the protection of lives and property by improving practical security measures across the state. The association stressed that preventing attacks should remain a top priority.
The group further advised Governor Peter Mbah to enhance intelligence gathering, expand surveillance in vulnerable communities, and deepen collaboration with federal security agencies, local vigilante groups, and community leaders to prevent similar incidents.
It also encouraged residents to remain alert, report suspicious activities to security agencies, and refrain from taking the law into their own hands while investigations and rescue efforts continue.
Expressing solidarity with the Catholic Church, the families of the abducted victims, and the people of Affa Community, HURIWA prayed for the safe release of those still in captivity.
The association added that attacks on places of worship threaten citizens’ constitutional right to practise their religion freely and undermine public confidence in security across affected communities.
