CITAD condemns cyber attack on website, seeks urgent intervention
Kola Oyelere Kano
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned a sustained cyberattack on its official website, describing it as a serious disruption to its operations and a violation of digital rights.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the organisation disclosed that its website had been targeted by a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack, rendering the platform inaccessible for more than 24 hours.
The incident, it said, led to the loss of and disruption to critical organisational data.
CITAD noted that the attack had significantly hindered its ability to disseminate information, provide educational resources, and maintain communication with its community.
The organisation called for the immediate cessation of the attack and urged relevant authorities and stakeholders to support efforts aimed at securing its digital infrastructure and preventing future breaches.
The statement was signed by Y. Z. Ya’u, Executive Director of CITAD.,a copy made available to press in Kano
It also appealed to human rights organisations, civil society groups, and the media to take note of the incident and back initiatives to safeguard digital spaces and protect organisational rights.
Highlighting broader implications, CITAD warned that the attack raises concerns about the vulnerability of civic and democratic online spaces, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
The organisation urged the government and relevant agencies to strengthen protections against cyber threats to ensure that institutions can operate without undue interference.
Additionally, CITAD advised applicants for its Bauchi Feminist Internet School (BAFIS), Digital Literacy Training, and Digital Hygiene programmes to re-submit their applications once its portal is restored, noting that previously submitted records were lost due to the attack.