The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) disclosed on Friday in Abuja that Nigeria witnessed 1,580 instances of human rights violations across the six geopolitical zones in March alone. These violations ranged from killings, kidnappings, domestic violence, abductions, and infringements on children’s rights, among others.
Presenting these findings at the NHRC headquarters, senior human rights adviser Mr. Hilary Ogbona revealed that the North Central region registered the highest number of reported human rights violations, with 468 cases.
During the presentation attended by Dr. Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ogbona highlighted that State Actors, including the police, military, and the Department of State Services (DSS), accounted for 94 cases of rights violations.
Ogbona also noted that among the recorded violations were the killings of military and police personnel in Delta State, along with 542 cases of children’s rights violations and 471 cases of domestic violence.
Furthermore, he mentioned that non-state actors and private individuals were responsible for 32 and 36 violations respectively, while three cases of rights violations against disabled individuals were reported.
In addition, economic, social, and cultural rights accounted for 157 cases, with 24 referred cases. Killings and kidnappings constituted 499 cases, while 71 violations of the right to life were recorded during the period. These figures represent the total recorded human rights violations across the 36 state offices of the commission and Abuja.
Expressing concern over the rising incidents of human rights violations, Ogbona highlighted the abduction of 301 schoolchildren in Kaduna State and the killing of 40 people in Benue State. He emphasized the need for restraint from both State and Private Actors, cautioning against reprisal attacks.
Ogbona also appealed to the police and military to conduct investigations in accordance with the rules of engagement and the rule of law, as stipulated in national and international laws.
In his welcome address, Executive Secretary Ojukwu reaffirmed the NHRC’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in Nigeria. He pledged to collaborate with government and other stakeholders to intensify efforts in safeguarding lives and properties and reducing human rights violations.
The NHRC’s monthly dashboard, aimed at shedding light on the human rights situation, is supported by the United Nations Development Program, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and other partners.
