By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised a fresh alarm over the escalating wave of killings, kidnappings and terrorist attacks ravaging Kebbi, Kwara and several other states, warning that the sanctity of human life is “fast waning” in Nigeria.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (OFR, SAN), described the recent abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the killing of worshippers in Kwara as grim reminders of the grave danger facing the nation. He questioned why Africa’s most populous country is still battling Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists since 2009 without a decisive end in sight.
Ojukwu stated this on Thursday in a statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed made available to newsmen in Abuja.
Expressing deep concern over what he called “heinous acts of violence,” Ojukwu said Nigerians are demanding urgent and concrete government action to protect their fundamental right to life.
“It is a moral and legal obligation for the government to ensure the safety and security of its citizens,” he said. “Every life is precious and should be preserved. Incidents like the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction and the recent Maga school attack call into question the Safe Schools Declaration Nigeria subscribed to. Such tragedies must not be allowed to reoccur.”
He cited Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, along with Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all of which Nigeria is bound to uphold.
The NHRC chief demanded immediate government intervention, insisting on:
Effective investigation and prosecution of perpetrators,
Adequate compensation and support for victims and families,
Strengthened security architecture to prevent further attacks, and
Increased vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities by citizens.
Ojukwu assured that the Commission will continue monitoring developments and will issue necessary recommendations to authorities.
