The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has disclosed that a total of 106,604 cases of human rights abuses were recorded in June alone. These abuses included 1,667 cases of abandoned children and the killing of 19 security personnel during this period.
Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, made this announcement on Monday in Abuja during the 6th edition of the Commission’s dashboard on the state of human rights in Nigeria. He stated that the figure for human rights abuses in June was the highest recorded in the past six months.
Ojukwu described the increase as disturbing but not unexpected, given the economic situation in the country. He called on state governors to take more responsibility in protecting the fundamental human rights of citizens in their states.
He also announced that the Commission would increase collaboration with traditional rulers and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to intensify campaigns against human rights violations. Ojukwu expressed regret over the rise in extrajudicial killings, highlighting Ebonyi and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as topping the list during this period. He emphasized the Commission’s concern about reported cases of minors’ defilement in June.
Providing a breakdown of the reported 106,604 human rights abuses, Mr. Hillary Ogbona, Senior Human Rights Adviser to the NHRC boss, emphasized the urgency for action in addressing these violations amid challenging national circumstances.
Ogbona detailed that the North Central region recorded the highest number with 29,462 cases, followed closely by the South South with 21,603. The South West recorded 18,458 cases, the North West 15,101, the North East 12,907, and the South East the lowest with 9,164 reported cases of human rights violations.
Regarding extrajudicial killings, Ogbona expressed concern over incidents such as killings for blasphemy in Bauchi, infidelity-related killings in Ondo State, and a fatal stabbing related to cultism in Ogun State. He noted attacks on police stations, with the FCT recording one incident and Ebonyi State two, urging Nigerians to refrain from attacking security operatives.
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He reiterated that mob actions and jungle justice are illegal and should cease immediately.
Discussing bomb-related incidents, Ogbona highlighted Borno State with twin bomb explosions at a wedding ceremony resulting in casualties, alongside terrorism-related killings in Kaduna, Benue, Katsina, and Plateau States during June.
The NHRC expert underscored the Commission’s concern over the high level of violations of women’s and children’s fundamental rights in Nigeria.
Responding to inquiries about the 1,667 abandoned children, Ojukwu attributed the trend to economic challenges but emphasized that economic difficulties should not justify abandoning innocent children. He stated that the Commission is collaborating with stakeholders and CSOs to provide shelter for abandoned children while working to identify and hold parents accountable for their care.
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