By Emma Okereh
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), yesterday , condemned in strong terms, the killing of 16 soldiers (officers and men) and some civilians in Delta state on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Recall that the killings were allegedly carried out by youths from Okuama community in Ugheli South local government area of Delta State while soldiers were on a peace mission to the community.
In a statement by the executive secretary, Tony Ojukwu on Monday, the Commission rejected the practice whereby aggrieved individuals and groups take laws into their hands attacking and killing law enforcement agents, saying that such behaviors occasion human rights violations and distrust. It asserts that “To this extent, it specifically amounts to violations of the right to life and dignity of human person as guaranteed under Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and other international instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.” It further stated that everyone is entitled to life and security of their person under section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).
“These senseless killings of security agents which has been going on in several parts of the country are not acceptable. Citizens must engage and collaborate with the Law Enforcement Agents (LEAs), by providing them with the necessary information that will assist them in fishing out those behind these heinous and dastardly acts and ensure that they are prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law.”
The executive secretary also urged authorities to put necessary mechanisms in place to arrest everyone allegedly involved in the gruesome murders insisting that the measure is aimed at bringing all perpetrators to justice and prevent further occurrence in the future.
“We are keenly monitoring the situation and official investigation in this case to ensure that those who are behind this inhumane and wicked act are quickly arrested, prosecuted and punished in accordance with the relevant international, regional and municipal laws”, he said.
The Commission urged everyone, including the affected community and the Nigerian Armed Forces to sheath their sword and refrain from any form of reprisals while awaiting for the outcome of the investigation as this would avoid further escalation of the crises that could worsen tension and human rights violations.
The Commission expressed condolence to the Chief of Defense Staff, Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian military and the families of the slain soldiers and urged everyone to remain calm and trust that justice will be served accordingly.
