By George Ozalla
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commended security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted pupil of Oriire School in Ibadan, Oyo State, describing the operation as a welcome development, while urging authorities not to relent until every Nigerian still held by kidnappers regains freedom.
The Commission said although the rescue represents a significant achievement, it should not be regarded as an isolated success, stressing that hundreds of Nigerians remain in captivity across different parts of the country and deserve the same level of urgency and commitment from security agencies.
According to a press statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, called on security agencies to deploy the same urgency, resources, intelligence, and coordination that led to the rescue of the Ibadan pupil towards securing the release of all other victims still in the hands of abductors.
Ojukwu stressed that every Nigerian life is valuable and deserves equal protection under the law, noting that the joy experienced by one family following the rescue of their child should become the standard for every family still anxiously waiting for the return of their loved ones.
“Every life matters. The joy of one family reunited must become the standard for every family still waiting in anguish,” he said.
While applauding the successful operation, the Chief Human Rights Officer expressed concern that many Nigerians remain missing and continue to endure hardship in captivity, adding that the government has a constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and liberty of all citizens.
He pointed out that Sections 33 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee the rights to life and personal liberty, making it the obligation of the State to ensure that every citizen enjoys these fundamental rights without fear or intimidation.
Ojukwu further stated that the persistent cases of abduction involving schoolchildren, travellers, and members of various communities constitute grave violations of human rights and continue to spread fear and insecurity across the country.
He therefore called on the Federal Government, security agencies, and state governments to strengthen intelligence gathering, deepen inter-agency collaboration, and place greater priority on victim-centred rescue operations aimed at securing the safe return of all persons in captivity.
“Rescuing one is commendable. Rescuing all is the mandate. No Nigerian should be left behind in captivity,” he stressed.
The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and protecting the human rights of everyone living in Nigeria and called on governments at all levels to intensify efforts to end insecurity in all its forms while ensuring that every citizen enjoys the constitutional guarantees of safety, dignity, and freedom.
