ABUJA, Nigeria — The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has warned that a spate of killings linked to so-called “one-chance” criminal gangs in the Federal Capital Territory points to serious leadership and security lapses, describing the trend as evidence of failed governance in Nigeria’s seat of power.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, HURIWA condemned the recent deaths of two women in Abuja, including a nurse, saying the incidents highlighted the growing vulnerability of residents and the absence of an effective preventive security strategy in the capital.
The emailed statement, signed by HURIWA’s national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, accused the federal authorities of failing in their duty to protect lives and property in the FCT.
“The daring and continuous operations of ‘one-chance’ robbers highlight a disturbing lack of leadership focus and strategic security planning in the Federal Capital Territory,” the group said.
Killings of Two Women Cited
HURIWA expressed particular outrage over the killing of Nurse Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem of the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi.
According to the group, she was killed after boarding public transport following her afternoon shift on January 3, with her body later dumped by the roadside.
The association recalled that the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, FCT Council, had described the killing as a devastating reflection of the worsening insecurity confronting health workers.
“The deceased nurse rendered selfless service to humanity, cared for patients, and boarded a vehicle home, only to be brutally murdered,” HURIWA said, adding that the killing represented an attack on both the nursing profession and society at large.
The group also referred to the death of another woman, identified as Princess Ochigbo, who was found dead in a separate incident believed to be linked to the same criminal networks.
Criticism of FCT Leadership
HURIWA argued that the deaths were preventable and accused political officeholders of neglecting their core responsibility of ensuring public safety.
“The residents of Abuja have been abandoned by those entrusted with the duty of protecting lives and property,” the statement said, alleging that security agencies in the FCT were either unable or unwilling to deploy effective preventive measures.
The group criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of being overly focused on national political engagements ahead of the 2027 elections at the expense of governance and security in Abuja.
HURIWA called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint what it described as a more focused and non-partisan technocrat to oversee the FCT, warning that the safety of residents could no longer be guaranteed under the current arrangement.
Call for Self-Defence Debate
In a controversial recommendation, HURIWA urged the federal government to consider granting citizens legal permits to bear arms for self-defence.
The group cited Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, and referenced court decisions including Ransome-Kuti v. Attorney-General of the Federation and Bello v. Attorney-General of Oyo State.
“Where the state fails to protect lives, citizens have a constitutional right to defend themselves against unlawful violence,” the statement said.
HURIWA warned that unless urgent steps are taken to curb the activities of criminal gangs, the Federal Capital Territory risks becoming a symbol of governance failure rather than national unity.
