The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) is calling for immediate and decisive government action following a shocking report of a terrorist attack on the Federal University in Lafia (FULafia), which allegedly resulted in the mass rape of over 30 female students.
The human rights group has labeled the incident, which occurred on July 26, 2025, as a “despicable crime against humanity” and a clear symptom of a failed state.
According to HURIWA, a large number of armed terrorists invaded female hostels and off-campus student residences in areas like Akunza, Gandu, and Burkan Kwato.
The attacks were reportedly well-coordinated and came after a two-week security siege laid by the terrorists.
HURIWA criticized the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Nasarawa State Command and the Inspector-General of Police, for “severe dereliction of duty,” noting that the attackers operated for hours without challenge.
The rights group is demanding comprehensive support for the victims, including the deployment of psychologists and counselors from the Federal Ministry of Education to provide post-traumatic therapy.
Furthermore, HURIWA has called for each victim to be awarded ₦50 million in compensation, arguing that the attack was a direct result of the government’s failure to provide constitutionally guaranteed protection for its citizens.
HURIWA appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the escalating insecurity around
educational institutions.
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The group urged the President to demand an “actionable template” from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to prevent future occurrences and to consider a major reorganization of the nation’s policing structure.
The current “reactive rather than effective proactive” policing methods were highlighted as a key failure.
To address the ongoing threat to schools, HURIWA proposed the establishment of a nationwide special commando unit within the Nigeria Police Force. This unit, to be headed by a Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police, would focus on school security, reporting directly to the IGP and partnering with other security agencies.
HURIWA’s statement also referenced a troubling pattern of insecurity around universities, citing previous incidents:
- October 10, 2023: Four students from Nasarawa State University in Keffi were abducted from their lodge.
- December 7, 2023: Ten students from FULafia were kidnapped by bandits at a student community opposite the university’s permanent site.
- Late 2023 and early 2024: Gandu, a community housing over 6,000 FULafia students, has been a frequent target for armed robberies and kidnappings, including an incident where 17 students were abducted.
These past events, according to HURIWA, demonstrate a long-standing and inadequate security response that has left students vulnerable to repeated attacks.
The group stressed that the July 26th incident is an intolerable crime that requires the President to take decisive steps to bring the perpetrators to justice and provide lasting remedy for the victims.