*Dr. Ojukwu (2nd Right) flanked by others at the presentation of Month of May NHRC Dashboard on Tuesday, 16th June, 2026. Photo credit: Optimum Times
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised concerns over increasing spate of human rights violations worsened by insecurity characterized by Killings and kidnappings nationwide, and urged the federal government and its relevant agencies to devise stringent measures to curb the menace.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, spoke at the presentation of the commission’s monthly dashboard on recorded complaints, killings, Kidnappings, Domestic violence and all forms of human rights abuses which occurred in May.
This is against the backdrop of revelation by the dashboard that a total of 268, 787 complaints were received in May with an increase of 2000 when compared that of the month of April, 2026.
Also, while the Commission disclosed its conclusion of investigation of 3,560 complaints, it added that alarming 390 killings and 202 kidnappings occurred within the month of May.
According to Ojukwu, the complaints, highlight the ongoing challenges faced in securing human rights for all Nigerians.
“Notably, violations involving state actors remain the most significant concern. May 2026 has been a devastating month for human rights in Nigeria. Within the span of thirty-one days, we witnessed incidents that deeply challenged our collective commitment to human dignity and fundamental freedoms.
” Across several states, civilians lost their lives, children were taken from schools, worshippers were attacked in places of prayer, and security personnel paid the ultimate price while preparing to protect others. These incidents reflect not isolated tragedies but a broader humanitarian concern that requires urgent national attention.
“One of the most disturbing incidents recorded during the month occurred in Tumfa, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where a military airstrike reportedly struck a civilian market patronized by terrorists. The NHRC has been in consultation with the Nigerian Air Force and is encouraged by efforts made by the Armed Forces to investigate cases of air strikes that might have affected civilians.
“The NHRC continues to call for the adoption of the National Policy for the Protection of Civilians in Conflict. The NHRC notes that the Nigerian Air Force already has a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP) and would like to use this opportunity to call for a unified and an all government approach to civilian harm mitigation and protection in Nigeria.
” Conversely, the NHRC remains very concerned with incidents of attacks on military formations and killings of our Armed Forces, Security and Law Enforcement personnel. As frontline defenders of human rights, our security forces need to be equipped for the hydra-headed conflict which Nigeria is facing on all sides.
“It is only when our military is equipped and fortified, delivering the mission of section 14(2) of the Constitution that we can safely assert that security of life and properties.
“Within the month under review, we witnessed attacks on the right to education. In Oyo State, armed attackers invaded schools and abducted over 45 pupils and teachers who are still in captivity as we speak. What should have been a place of learning became a scene of fear and uncertainty.
“Similar concerns emerged in Borno State, where over 40 schoolchildren were again targeted in an attack that reopened painful national memories and highlighted the continuing vulnerability of educational institutions in conflict-affected communities.
“The abduction of children should be viewed as more than isolated criminal incidents; it raises serious concerns about compliance with existing constitutional guarantees, child protection laws and school safety policies.
“In Kwara State, worshippers gathered in place of prayer were attacked, resulting in deaths and abduction of 15 worshippers.
“Equally alarming is the disturbing surge in abductions targeting religious worshippers, a deliberate strategy that not only terrorizes communities but also erodes the foundational principles of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
”These incidents and many more remind us that insecurity continues to affect not only public spaces but also institutions and communities that should remain protected.”
Ojukwu called on relevant government institutions and security agencies to strengthen civilian protection measures, review operational procedures where necessary, and ensure accountability where violations may have occurred.
“We urge greater investment in school safety, enhanced protection for vulnerable communities, and the immediate provision of psychosocial support for victims and affected families”, he added.
While making a presentation of the dashboard, Mr. Hillary Ogbonna, the Senior Human Rights Adviser of the Commission, further revealed that within the month, 41 armed men and law enforcement agents were killed.
He also said that of the 268, 787 complaints, the North Central topped with 120, 659 complaints.
Among the top ten states, the Federal Capital Territory topped with 45,000 followed by Benue state with 40, 000 complaints.
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