•Demands probe by DSS, IGP

By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised the alarm over a song allegedly threatening an armed attack on Christians in Enugu State. The association, in a statement issued on October 26, 2026, called on the Department of State Services (DSS) and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu to investigate and prosecute those responsible if evidence establishes their involvement.

HURIWA in the statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, described the material as a serious security concern requiring urgent attention from law enforcement agencies.

HURIWA said the song contains lyrics that appear to celebrate religiously motivated violence and threaten an attack on worshippers on a Sunday. It alleged that the material references an AK-47 rifle, describes a journey to Enugu to target people labelled “infidels” during their religious celebration, and imitates gunfire.

The association called on security agencies to establish the identity of those behind the song, determine its origin and circulation, and assess the credibility of the alleged threat.

In its statement, HURIWA warned against dismissing such material as entertainment or political expression.

“The association warns that threats of violence targeting people on the basis of their religion must never be dismissed as entertainment, political rhetoric or an expression of economic frustration. Where evidence establishes criminal incitement, the perpetrators must face the full consequences of the law,” the statement said.

It also urged the DSS and police to investigate whether the material was part of a wider effort to promote religious hostility, intimidate Christian communities or inspire attacks against innocent citizens.

HURIWA stressed that security agencies must handle the matter impartially, regardless of the religious affiliation or political connections of anyone implicated.

“The association stresses that freedom of religion and expression does not provide a licence to threaten murder or encourage violence against people because of their beliefs. Nigerians must be able to worship without fear of targeted attacks, and the government has a responsibility to protect that fundamental right,” it stated.

Warns against collective blame

While demanding an investigation, HURIWA cautioned against using the alleged threat to stigmatise an entire religious community, insisting that accountability must be based on evidence against individuals and any networks found to be promoting or facilitating violence.

“The investigation must focus on the individuals responsible and any networks found to be promoting or facilitating violence. Accountability must rest on evidence, not collective blame,” the association said.

It further called for a broader national conversation on religious extremism, constitutional governance, enforcement of criminal laws and the protection of citizens across the country.

The association maintained that no religious doctrine, political ideology or cultural justification should shield anyone who threatens or commits violence against fellow citizens.

HURIWA also advocated a review of Nigeria's federal arrangement and the relationship between constitutional guarantees, state-level legal frameworks and the protection of fundamental rights.

It said any such debate should prioritise national security, equal citizenship, religious freedom and the rule of law.

Reiterating its demand for urgent action, the association said the immediate task was to identify those responsible for the material, establish the facts, prevent any threatened attack and prosecute anyone against whom sufficient admissible evidence supports criminal charges.

“Nigeria cannot afford to ignore threats that could inflame religious tensions or place innocent communities in danger. The DSS and the IGP must act promptly, professionally and transparently to reassure the public that threats of religiously motivated violence will be investigated and addressed under the law,” the statement added.