By Emma Okereh
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reacted to media reports on the alleged erroneous bombing of civilians, including herdsmen by the Nigerian Air Force. Its executive secretary, Tony Ojukwu has condemned the alleged bombing of over 40 herdsmen in Doma local government area of Nasarawa state, saying that the incident is highly regrettable. He called for action against the erring officers even as he owed that the commission will monitor developments flowing from the incident.
He described the action as sad and lamented that it would also lead to increase in the number of extra-judicial killings which the commission has been working hard to reduce.
He promised that the commission will in line with its mandate, monitor the development and seek the protection of the rights of victims as well as payment of compensations for the lives and properties lost as a result of the unfortunate incident.
According to him, the NHRC demands urgent action by the government by way of compensating the victims and holding erring officers accountable in order to forestall further occurrence.
He said it is quite unfortunate that the lives of these citizens are cut short in this painful and sad manner. The loss of the life of one citizen is sad not to talk of 40 citizens.
“The Commission is seriously worried about the incident as Nigeria cannot afford such costly mistakes that usually take the lives of many innocent civilians because it adds to the number of extra judicial killings in the country”.
Speaking further, the NHRC Boss said, “while we urge the federal government and the Nigerian military to ensure justice and compensation to the families of the victims , the NHRC will in line with its mandate, monitor the development and seek the protection of the rights of victims as well as payment of compensations for the lives and properties lost as a result of the unfortunate incident”.
The NHRC Boss is also using this opportunity to appeal to the affected communities particularly in Nasarawa state where the regrettable bombing took place to remain calm and peaceful and not to take the laws into their hands to avoid further escalation of the crisis.
In the same vein, the Human Rights Advocate prayed to God for the repose of the souls of the victims just as he asked that God in His infinite mercies, grant their loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
In a related development, the Commission has expressed concern over the spate of killings in the South East, where rampaging gunmen have been gunning down innocent citizens with reckless abandon.
“We are therefore calling on the various security agencies and well-meaning individuals and groups in the south east to appeal to all aggrieved persons and armed groups in the south east to lay down their arms and allow the south east to return to its former peaceful status and embrace dialogue and forgiveness.
