by George Ozalla
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sounded the alarm over the rising wave of attacks, kidnappings, and killings across Nigeria, warning that the nation’s respect for human life is rapidly eroding.
Dr Tony Ojukwu OFR SAN, Executive Secretary of the NHRC, highlighted the recent abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the killing of worshippers in Kwara as stark pointers to the persistent threats confronting the country. He questioned why Nigeria continues to struggle against insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, which have terrorized communities since 2009, without achieving decisive results.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages at NHRC. Ojukwu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding human rights and upholding the dignity of life across Nigeria.
He further stressed that protecting the right to life is both a moral and legal duty of the government. He noted that incidents like the Chibok schoolgirls abduction and the recent tragedy at Maga school raise serious questions about Nigeria’s commitment to the Safe Schools Declaration, placing students, worshippers, and other civilians at grave risk.
Spotlighting legal and international obligations, Ojukwu referenced Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees every individual’s right to life, as well as Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
He called on the government to act decisively, urging thorough investigation and prosecution of perpetrators, provision of support and compensation to victims and their families, reinforcement of security measures, and increased citizen vigilance in reporting suspicious activities. Ojukwu assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the situation and provide recommendations to the relevant authorities.
