By Emma Okereh
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Friday, presented its 5th edition of the National Human Rights Commission Human Rights Monthly Dashboard.
The dashboard which according to its executive secretary, Tony Ojukwu, stands as a testament to its commitment to transparency, accountability and the protection of human rights in Nigeria, showed that the commission received 55,218 complaints of human rights abuses, abductions, killings and violations in the month of May.
It also showed that violations against state actors was at the top of the chart.
The dashboard further recorded ten states that led in kidnappings and killings. The states include, Niger with 150, Katsina with 83, Plateau, FCT, Kaduna, Benue, Ebonyi, Borno.
While presenting his speech at the event, Dr Ojukwu stated that the violations recorded in the month of May impacted on an estimated 157,368 persons across the country based “on our Victim Impact Analysis”, noting that it is a distressing indication that despite the efforts of the commission there are still instances where those entrusted with upholding the law become violators of human rights. He called on government to ensure that all citizens enjoy their rights.
Further breakdown of incidences that characterized the May dashboard shows that in Niger, there occured double attacks by bandits where 10 persons were killed and 150 abducted. In Plateau, ethnic related killings erupted leading to 50 deaths and destruction of properties. In Kaduna, 13 attacks by terrorists leading to 43 deaths and 41 abductions were recorded while Abia recorded the killings of 5 soldiers by terrorists.
NHRC submitted that the month under review also witnessed significant and troublesome escalation in the activities of non-state armed groups across the country.
“Our Human Rights Observatory recorded 298 killings and 360 abductions largely attributed to terrorists and bandit groups. The north west continues to be a region of concern for us in this regards. We continue to see the worrisome trends of killings of men of our armed forces and the Police. This for us constitute a threat to security and the defence of human rights and we continue to call on all relevant authorities at state and national levels to stem this tide”.
“One of the fundamental principles of democracy is the protection of human rights for all individuals, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, gender, or social status. As such, it is incumbent upon us, as the guardians of human rights in Nigeria, to remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to safeguard these rights”.
Ojukwu assured that the job of the commission does not end with the publication of dashboard but will continue to collaborate with government and other stakeholders to promote a culture of respect for human dignity and equality.
“Permit me to reiterate that as a Commission, our work does not end with the publication of this dashboard. It is merely a tool, a starting point for further action. We must continue to collaborate with government agencies, policy makers, civil society organizations, and international partners to address the root causes of human rights violations and promote a culture of respect for human dignity and equality.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to all those who have contributed to this process — our staff across all states, our partners, the media and all other stakeholders. Your dedication and commitment to the cause of human rights are truly commendable, and I am confident that together, we can bring about positive change in the lives of millions of Nigerians.
“I also want to thank our partners, the United Nations Development Programme and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for their invaluable support.
In conclusion, let us remember that the protection of human rights is not just a legal obligation, it is a moral imperative. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every individual in Nigeria can live a life of dignity, freedom, and equality”, he concludes.
