Highlight

Nigeria records alarming 106,604 human rights violations in June 2024 – NHRC

On the extrajudicial killings, Ogbonna regretted that killing for blasphemy was recorded in Bauchi, another killed in Ondo State for infidelity, and the stabbing of a wife's lover to death in Ogun State, while the recorded ones in Edo are related to cultism.

483

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) revealed a startling 106,604 human rights violations in June 2024 alone, including 1,667 cases of child abandonment and the deaths of 19 security personnel.

This alarming figure highlights a significant surge in human rights abuses in the country.

The NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), disclosed this at the 6th edition of the Commission’s monthly human rights dashboard.

He noted that the human rights violations reported in June marked the highest monthly total in the last six months, a trend he described as alarming but not surprising, given the current state of affairs in the country.

He urged state governors to take proactive steps to safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens within their jurisdictions.

Additionally, he pledged that the Commission will intensify its collaboration with traditional rulers and civil society organizations to amplify the campaign against human rights violations.

Ojukwu lamented the alarming rise in extrajudicial killings across the country, particularly in Ebonyi State and the Federal Capital Territory, which emerged as the worst-hit areas during the reported period.

Giving a breakdown of the reported human rights abuses, the Senior Human Rights Adviser to the NHRC Executive Secretary, Mr. Hillary Ogbonna, explained that things are not going well in the country and that the increase in rights abuses called for more action.

Ogbonna’s breakdown shows that the North Central region continues to record the highest number of human rights violations, with a staggering 29,462 reported cases, closely followed by the South-South region with 21,603 cases.

The South West region reported 18,458 cases, while the North West and North East regions recorded 15,101 and 12,907 cases, respectively.

The Southeast region had the lowest number of reported cases, with 9,164 human rights violations.

On the extrajudicial killings, Ogbonna regretted that killing for blasphemy was recorded in Bauchi, another killed in Ondo State for infidelity, and the stabbing of a wife’s lover to death in Ogun State, while the recorded ones in Edo are related to cultism.

He reported that there were three separate attacks on police stations, with one incident occurring in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and two in Ebonyi State.

He appealed to Nigerians to urgently cease attacks on security personnel, emphasizing that such violence is unacceptable.

Additionally, he issued a warning against using mob actions and jungle justice, emphasizing that these methods are against Nigerian law and must end.

Regarding bomb-related incidents, he reported that Borno State had the highest number of attacks, with two twin bomb explosions occurring at wedding ceremonies, resulting in fatalities.

Other states, including Kaduna, Benue, Katsina, and Plateau, also experienced terrorism-related killings in June.

The human rights expert expressed the Commission’s deep concern over the alarming rate of violations of women’s and children’s fundamental rights in the country.

When asked about the alarming number of abandoned children (1,667), the NHRC Chairman attributed the trend to the prevailing economic conditions but emphasized that economic hardship should never justify abandoning innocent children.

In order to ensure these children’s safety and well-being, he assured stakeholders that the Commission is working with them to provide temporary shelter while efforts are underway to trace and reunite them with their parents.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

FG set to partner private sector to raise $10bln for power sector

The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to collaborate with the...

Nigeria Customs Service Exceeds 2024 Revenue Target, Rakes in N5.7trn

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a remarkable revenue generation of...

Alleged bullying: FG suspends 13 FGC Enugu students as governor orders arrest

The Federal Government has taken swift action against bullying in Federal Government...

Edo Gov. Okpebholo appoints Oshimhole’s son commissioner, SSG, AG, others

The new governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has announced Mr....

Rodri Brushes Off Vinicius, Real Madrid at Ballon d’Or ceremony

Recently crowned 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has downplayed the absence of...

Super Eagles Land in Abidjan, Gear Up for Benin Republic Clash

The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has arrived in Abidjan,...

Nigeria signs $1.2bln deal with CNCEC to revive aluminium smelter

Nigeria has taken a significant step towards reviving its dormant aluminium smelter...

VP Shettima Arrives in Benin City for Edo Governor’s Inauguration

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Benin City, Edo State capital,...

Breaking: Powerful explosion rocks Jos, many people feared dead

A devastating explosion shook the city of Jos on Tuesday morning, sending...

NNPC Ltd. boss, Mele Kyari, thrashes allegation of sabotaging Dangote Refinery as baseless

Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National...

Infanticide: US places $25,000 bounty on fleeing Nigerian parent

The United States of America has offered a $25,000 reward for anyone...

Tinubu, Abiodun, Sanwo-Olu, others extol Pastor Tunde Bakare at 70

Pastor Tunde Bakare, the founder of Citadel Global Community Church, is a...

NNPC Ltd. Unveils Plan to Resolve Nigeria’s Energy Trilemma

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) Group CEO, Mr. Mele Kyari,...

Breaking: IPMAN Secures Direct Supply Deal with Dangote Refinery, Promises Steady, Affordable Fuel Nationwide

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has announced a landmark...

“Operation Sweep”, FCT demolition squad, faces backlash from residents, Wike reacts

The recent demolition exercise by “Operation Sweep”, a task force set up...

Nov. 16 Ondo guber poll: Sensitive election materials arrive

Ahead of the Saturday, October 16 governorship poll in Ondo State, sensitive...

China’s imports from Nigeria soar to $15.1bln, 36.1% increase

China’s imports from Nigeria have reached an all-time high of $15.1 billion...

Vandals destroy TCN towers, disrupt power supply in Abuja

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported a fresh attack on...

Amid opposition, Kano Rep. Jibrin promises to push Tinubu’s tax reform bills through in NASS

In spite of growing opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s controversial tax reform...

FCT Police bust notorious car theft syndicate, arrest suspect, recover 3 vehicles

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police has confirmed the arrest of a...