By NEWSCOUNT Desk
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Federal Government to thoroughly investigate the masterminds and perpetrators of killings, abductions and other violent attacks across the country and ensure that those found responsible face prosecution.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, made the call on Monday while presenting the NHRC’s August Human Rights Dashboard, where he expressed concern over renewed attacks on rural communities and farmers, particularly in Benue and Niger States.
Ojukwu said insecurity again dominated the human rights situation in August, noting that continued attacks on rural communities and farmers were not only violations of the right to life and security but were also contributing to food insecurity in the country.
He linked attacks on farmers to wider food security risks, with possible consequences for nutrition, escalation of conflicts and the national economy through increased dependence on food imports and pressure on reserves.
The NHRC Executive Secretary also noted that the government could not sustainably depend on heavy security escorts to protect every farmer, stressing the need for a more durable solution to attacks on farming communities.
“The Commission reiterates its call for a thorough, transparent investigation into these killings, and for the perpetrators of these and similar attacks across the country to be brought to justice without further delay,” Ojukwu said.
He disclosed that the Commission recorded 297,943 complaints on human rights abuses in August, representing a decrease from the previous month, while commending security agencies for rescuing kidnapped victims and preventing further terrorist attacks.
According to him, security agencies on August 5 rescued 308 Nigerians abducted across Niger and Kwara States in a coordinated, intelligence-led operation.
He also cited the release of several persons held in captivity in Benue State during security operations carried out during the month.
Ojukwu commended the security agencies for the rescue of 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were abducted in Kogi State while travelling from Abuja after completing their orientation programme at the Bayelsa State Orientation Camp.
He said the successful operations showed what could be achieved when intelligence, political will and cooperation among security agencies were properly deployed.
The NHRC boss, however, stressed that rescuing victims should not be the end of government intervention, saying survivors also required medical, psychosocial, family-reunification and other forms of support to aid their recovery and reintegration.
“Rescue must be followed by appropriate medical, psychosocial, family-reunification and other forms of support necessary for the recovery and reintegration of survivors,” he said.
Ojukwu also raised concern over what he described as increasing hate speeches and political violence involving political and religious actors as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.
He warned that such conduct could worsen if not checked and called on the Federal Government to take action against persons found to be responsible.
The Executive Secretary disclosed that the NHRC had condemned what it described as hateful and divisive statements attributed to Sheikh Sani Jingir, as well as alleged incitement to violence by Senator Francis Fadahunsi.
He said the Commission had called for their investigation and prosecution, adding that the NHRC would remain vigilant as political campaigns for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
“The NHRC has condemned the hateful and divisive speech by Sheikh Sani Jingir and the incitement to violence by Senator Francis Fadahunsi. We have called for their investigation and prosecution,” Ojukwu said.
He stressed that political actors must operate within the law and respect citizens’ rights throughout the electoral process.
According to him, the electoral process is closely connected to several fundamental human rights, including freedom of association, peaceful assembly, expression and movement, as well as the rights to life and dignity of the human person.
The NHRC Executive Secretary further urged the National Assembly to engage Nigerians transparently on the Foreign Aid Bill currently before it, saying open engagement would help address concerns and fears surrounding the proposed legislation.
