Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for an urgent investigation into the reported killing of passengers travelling along a road leading to Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, urging security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and prevent further attacks on motorists.
In a statement dated October 22, 2026 and signed by Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, the association said armed bandits reportedly intercepted a vehicle carrying passengers returning from Sokoto city on Wednesday, October 21, and opened fire on those inside.
The exact number of people killed had not been officially confirmed as of Thursday, according to the statement.
HURIWA said some of the victims were reportedly among the 3,000 people recruited by the Sokoto State Government who had travelled to the state capital for further screening and collection of their documents. The claim has yet to be independently verified.
The association said the incident highlighted the dangers faced by travellers on some roads in northwestern Nigeria and called on security agencies to move beyond responding after attacks have occurred.
It urged the police, military and other relevant agencies to improve intelligence sharing, coordinate their operations and deploy personnel strategically to identify and dismantle armed criminal networks.
HURIWA also called for an immediate investigation to establish the number and identities of the victims, track down those responsible and ensure their prosecution in accordance with the law.
The association warned that failure to bring perpetrators of such attacks to justice could further undermine public confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives and property.
It further urged the Sokoto State Government and relevant federal authorities to provide security agencies with the necessary operational support and ensure that affected families receive timely information and appropriate assistance.
Beyond the immediate investigation, HURIWA called for stronger highway surveillance, improved intelligence networks and closer cooperation among security agencies to prevent armed groups from attacking travellers.
The association also appealed to authorities to provide transparent updates as investigations progress, while extending its condolences to the families of those reportedly killed.
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