…Alleges ‘betrayal.’
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Rights group, the ‘Eagle Brain Human Rights Organization,’ has accused the Kaduna State Government, political and religious leaders of “betrayal” over what it described as a loud and shameful silence in the face of rising kidnappings across communities in the state.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Chief Executive Officer, Comrade Daniel Ejembi, the group said it was appalled and deeply saddened by the recent wave of abductions affecting farmers, traders, women, children and breadwinners.
According to the organization, families of victims have been traumatized and forced to sell their belongings to pay ransom, while those elected and appointed to protect them have remained silent.
“Where is the government? No statement from the Governor. No statement from any government official. Where are the government-sponsored social media voices that are usually loud when defending failure? Silent. Where are the political sycophants and praise-singers? Silent,” the statement said.
The group also questioned the silence of religious leaders, asking: “Where are the pastors and Imams who pray at every Government House event? Silent. Where are all the government appointees enjoying security votes and convoys? Silent.”
The organization said the conspiracy of silence has shown that personal and political interests have been prioritized above the lives of citizens.
“You have millions to mobilize for solidarity marches on the streets. You have data to trend propaganda on all social media handles. But you have no voice to condemn kidnapping, no empathy to visit victims’ families, no plan to secure our people,” Ejembi said.
The rights group warned that citizens are watching the response of authorities to the security crisis.
“Let it be known today, that, Kaduna citizens are watching. Nigerians are watching. The world is watching. The blood of the innocent cries for justice. And the people will speak, loud and clear, at the appropriate time – at the ballot, in the streets, and before history,” the statement added.
The Eagle Brain Human Rights Organization, therefore, demanded an immediate and public statement from the Kaduna State Government condemning the kidnappings, immediate deployment of security personnel to affected areas, a comprehensive plan to rescue all abducted citizens, unconditionally, and support for families of victims.
“Security is not a privilege; it is the first duty of government. Failure to protect lives is failure of leadership. Enough of the silence!” the group declared.