Amnesty International has condemned the Nigerian government’s continued silence over the disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, six years after he was abducted from his Kaduna home under mysterious circumstances.
Dadiyata, a public affairs commentator, social media activist, and lecturer at the Department of Languages, Federal University, Dutsinma, Kaduna State, was taken by masked gunmen on the night of August 2, 2019. His whereabouts remain unknown.
At a briefing in Kaduna on Saturday, Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, accused the government of failing to investigate or provide answers, deepening fears over the safety of critics and human rights in Nigeria.
“On the night of August 2, 2019, masked gunmen stormed his home and took him away in his own car. Six years on, no one has told us where he is, or what happened. The question remains: where is Dadiyata?” Sanusi stated.
He described Dadiyata as a fearless advocate for justice and transparency, suggesting his abduction was linked to his criticism of the government. “Enforced disappearance is a tool of fear in authoritarian societies. It has no place in a democratic Nigeria,” Sanusi declared.
Amnesty accused the government of neglecting its duty to protect Dadiyata’s rights, even if it was not directly involved in his abduction. “His right to liberty, security, and freedom of expression were violated—and for six years, the government has failed to act,” Sanusi said.
Despite petitions to security agencies, including the police, DSS, and the Attorney-General’s office, the family says no serious effort has been made to find him. “The silence is deafening. The silence is cruel. And it is unacceptable,” Sanusi emphasised.
The organisation warned that Nigeria’s shrinking civic space and culture of impunity enable such abuses. “President Bola Tinubu must show leadership where his predecessor failed,” Sanusi urged, calling for immediate investigations and public updates on the case.
Dadiyata’s family recounted their anguish. His elder brother, Usman Idris, said: “Our mother died waiting. Our uncle died in anguish. Our father’s health keeps declining.”
His wife, Khadija Ahmad Lame, tearfully described the toll on their children, who still ask about their missing father. “It’s been six years of silence. Six years of carrying this burden alone. Our lives were shattered that night.”
Amnesty insists: “Justice delayed is justice denied. Dadiyata’s family deserves answers, not silence.”
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
