Amnesty International has expressed deep concern following the reported abduction and assault of Hamdiyya Sidi, who had been allegedly targeted by the Sokoto State government over a social media video in which she decried the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by bandit attacks in eastern Sokoto. Sidi, who was reportedly arraigned in secret for her outspoken criticism, was abducted by armed men on Wednesday in Achida town.
Witnesses state she was forcibly taken into a tricycle as she stepped out of her home to retrieve her phone from a charging point. She was then allegedly beaten, strangled, and thrown from the moving tricycle, suffering severe injuries.
Sokoto authorities had reportedly aimed to charge Sidi for “using insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance” — charges that Amnesty International has called spurious and an attempt to stifle young voices and suppress calls for human rights accountability in the state. According to the organization, these actions represent an effort to create an atmosphere of intimidation and fear, deterring citizens from expressing concerns about government and security issues.
The alleged harassment and abduction of Sidi underscore the urgency of safeguarding freedom of expression and protecting citizens who speak out against injustices. Amnesty International has called on authorities to respect lawful rights and halt attempts to silence critical voices.
