Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Concerns have emerged over the treatment of Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff, a human rights activist and outspoken critic of banditry in eastern Sokoto State, following reports of her repeated abductions and alleged mistreatment by unidentified armed individuals. Critics allege that her detention may be politically motivated due to her vocal advocacy for government action against insecurity in the region.
According to multiple sources, Hamdiyya was abducted on Wednesday, 13 November 2024, while heading to retrieve her mobile phone from a charging point. She was reportedly forced into a tricycle by armed men, beaten, and later thrown from the moving vehicle, sustaining severe injuries. Reports indicate that this is not an isolated incident; she was previously abducted on 20 May 2024, during which she was reportedly beaten and abandoned in a bush in neighbouring Zamfara State.
Activists and civil society groups have raised alarms about the Sokoto State government’s approach to dissent, suggesting that Governor Ahmed Aliyu may be using state security mechanisms to intimidate critics. Observers have described such actions as inconsistent with democratic norms, emphasizing that individuals should not face punishment solely for voicing concerns or criticizing government policies.
Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff has been particularly vocal about the persistent insecurity in eastern Sokoto State, an area long afflicted by armed banditry. Reports indicate that communities there face frequent attacks, including killings, village burnings, mosque raids, and abduction of women and girls. Activists argue that rather than targeting critics, state authorities and security agencies should prioritize protecting vulnerable populations from these ongoing threats.
Human rights organizations have called on both the Sokoto State Government and the Nigerian security agencies to ensure that activists are protected, that investigations into her abductions are conducted transparently, and that measures are taken to address the escalating insecurity affecting local communities.
Observers warn that continued suppression of dissent could undermine public trust in the government and exacerbate the already critical humanitarian and security situation in the region. They stress that freedom of expression and civic advocacy are essential components of a functioning democracy, particularly in areas confronting persistent violence and insecurity.
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