
NHRC Records 305,300 Alleged Rights Violations in September
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) registered 305,300 human rights abuse cases across Nigeria in September. This spike has raised concerns within the Commission about the increasing trend of rights abuses nationwide.
Concern Over Rising Cases
Dr. Anthony Ojukwu, SAN, Executive Secretary of NHRC, expressed alarm over the surge in reported cases. Represented by Hajia Rabi Anwar, Director of Legal Services, he stressed that behind every complaint lies an individual whose rights and dignity are at risk. Dr. Ojukwu emphasized that the Commission’s work must focus on identifying problems and implementing solutions that will allow all Nigerians to enjoy their rights without fear or oppression.
A Call for Collective Action
Ojukwu pointed out that the human rights challenges in Nigeria continue to affect a large number of people. The NHRC dashboard serves as a critical tool for stakeholders, providing data and insights that demand collective action and response. He also urged the media to amplify the voices of the vulnerable and marginalized, noting the importance of holding the government accountable for protecting human rights.
The Need for Accountability
Reflecting on recent protests, including the #FearlessInOctober and #EndBadGovernance movements, Ojukwu highlighted the public’s continued demand for accountability and better governance. He condemned the excessive use of force by the Nigerian Police Force on protesters in Abuja, noting that such actions severely violate the fundamental rights of citizens.
Road Accidents: A Growing Crisis
One of the key issues Ojukwu raised was the rise in fatalities from road accidents, which has significantly impacted many Nigerian families. According to reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 1,471 people died in road crashes in the first quarter of 2024. He called on the government and the FRSC to implement immediate and sustainable measures to improve road safety across the country.
Acknowledgement of Key Partners
Ojukwu extended his gratitude to international partners such as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Royal Norwegian Embassy. He also thanked media organizations for their continued support and dedication to highlighting human rights violations.
Disturbing Trends in Human Rights Violations
Hilary Ogbonna, Senior Human Rights Adviser to the NHRC, presented the latest dashboard findings, decrying the persistent rise in human rights violations. According to Ogbonna, the North-West region recorded the highest number of complaints. Among the critical concerns were violations of religious freedom, degrading treatment by law enforcement, and sexual and gender-based violence.
Alarming Rise in Sexual Violence
Ogbonna reported that 70 cases of rape were documented in September, calling the situation “alarming.” He stated that even one case is too many and underscored the need for stronger measures to combat sexual violence.
Children’s Rights Under Threat
Ogbonna also highlighted the increasing cases of children’s rights violations. In September, 141 killings and 113 kidnappings were reported. Due to this concerning trend, the Commission is planning a stakeholder meeting to address these issues.
Emerging Issues: Road Accidents and Flooding
The report also drew attention to the rise in road accidents and the impact of flooding in Maiduguri, both of which have negatively affected the enjoyment of human rights. Ogbonna emphasized that road safety and disaster management must become priorities to protect the rights of those affected.
Mob Violence and Attacks on Police Stations
In addition to the above concerns, Ogbonna noted the growing problem of mob attacks and assaults on police stations, where individuals have increasingly taken the law into their own hands. These incidents have further strained the country’s already fragile justice system.
NHRC’s Protective Mechanisms
To address these violations, Ogbonna reaffirmed that the NHRC has implemented several protective measures, including complaint investigations, monitoring of detention centers, and legal enforcement. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to safeguard human rights and provide accountability.
Yearly Overview of Complaints
The NHRC dashboard revealed the following monthly complaints in 2024: 1,147 in January, 1,484 in February, 1,580 in March, 19,470 in April, 55,218 in May, 106,604 in June, 185,651 in July, and 228,549 in August. The Commission continues to track these cases as part of its commitment to upholding human rights in Nigeria.
The NHRC’s monthly dashboard serves as an essential resource for understanding the state of human rights in Nigeria. By addressing these ongoing challenges and calling for collective action, the Commission hopes to improve accountability, protect vulnerable populations, and uphold the dignity and rights of every Nigerian citizen.