ABUJA- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged government to arrest perpetrators behind the renewed attacks, kidnappings and killings of innocent Nigerians in Kebbi, Kwara and other states.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, made the call in a statement while reacting to the recent abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the killing of worshippers in Kwara.
Ojukwu noted that these violations going on in the Federation has become one too many.
“The dignity to human life is fast waning in the country this is a grave danger facing our nation.
“NHRC wonders why the giant of Africa is still battling rag-tag Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists since 2009 without conclusive success.
“Nigerians demand immediate action from the government to protect the right to life of all citizens.
“It is a matter of moral and legal obligation for the government to ensure the safety and security of its citizens,” he said.
He added that every life is precious and should be preserved; the Chibok school girls’ incident and other similar ugly misfortunes such as the recent Maga School kidnapping incident should be addressed.
Ojukwu added further that this calls to question the safe schools declaration Nigeria subscribed to.
He noted that such should not be allowed to reoccur in our dear country, as these dastardly acts put the right to life and safety of our schools and places of worship under threat.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Section 33(1), according to Ojukwu guarantees the right to life.
“Every person has a right to life and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life: “Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria had ratified, states that Human beings are inviolable.’’
“Every human being shall be entitled to respect for his life and the integrity of his person. No one may be arbitrarily deprived of this right.”
He further stated that Nigeria is a signatory to several other international human rights instruments that protect the right to life, including: Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which states that Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
Ojukwu, therefore, called on the government to take immediate action to protect the right to life of all Nigerians, in line with its constitutional and international obligations.
“We demand: Effective investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of these heinous crimes; adequate compensation.
“Also, support to victims and their families; strengthening of security measures to prevent future attacks.
“Most importantly, increased vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities by citizens,” he urged.
He assured that the commission will continue to monitor the situation and make necessary recommendations to the relevant authorities.(NAN)
