NHRC Tasks FG To Arrest, Prosecute Masterminds Of Killings, Hate Speeches Nationwide

NHRC Tasks FG To Arrest, Prosecute Masterminds Of Killings, Hate Speeches Nationwide

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the Federal government to ensure that the masterminds of the widespread insecurity in Nigeria are thoroughly investigated and caused to face consequences of their heinous crimes.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission,  Dr. Tony Ojukwu, who canvassed this during the presentation of the August Dashboard on Monday, lamented the counting attacks on local communities and farmers, saying that such killings and abductions of farmers constitute major causes food insecurity in Nigeria.

He linked attacks on farmers explicitly food security risks, with cascading implications for nutrition, conflict escalation, and macroeconomic pressures (imports, reserves). He noted the limited sustainable capacity to escort all farmers and the unsustainability of heavy security escorts as a long-term solution.

This is even as Ojukwu reported a decrease in the number of Complaints on human rights abuses in the month of August which was 297,943 and commended the security agencies for their efforts in rescuing kidnapped victims and forestalling attacks by terrorists.

While speaking, Ojukwu said: “In the month of August, insecurity again dominated the human rights landscape. Benue and Niger States particularly witnessed renewed attacks on rural communities even as security operations continued in the state.

“The Commission reiterates its call for a thorough, transparent investigation into these killings, and for the perpetrators of these and similar attacks across the country to be brought to justice without further delay.

“It would be remiss of me not to also acknowledge what went right this past month. On the 5th of August, we welcomed the news that 308 Nigerians abducted across Niger and Kwara States were rescued in a single, coordinated, intelligence-led security operation. This was echoed on a smaller scale through the month in Benue State, where security operatives secured the release of many persons held in captivity.

“We also commend the swift and coordinated action that led to the release of the 15 NYSC corps members abducted in Kogi state on their way from Abuja after passing out of the Bayelsa State Orientation Camp. These outcomes demonstrate what can be achieved when intelligence, political will and inter-agency coordination come together. It is a standard the Commission expects to see consistently, not occasionally, and we commend the security agencies involved.

“I would like to emphasise that rescue must be followed by appropriate medical, psychosocial, family-reunification and other forms of support necessary for the recovery and reintegration of survivors.” 

However, Ojukwu cited increasing hate speeches and political violence by political and religious actors and urged the Federal government to take action against the culprits, observing that as the nation approaches 2027 general election, it will be exacerbated if unchecked. 

“The NHRC has condemned the hateful and divisive speech by Sheikh Sani Jingir and the incitement to violence by Senator Francis Fadahunsi. We have called for their investigation and prosecution. As we begin the campaigns for the 2027 General Elections, the NHRC will remain vigilant to ensure that political actors play by the rules and will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that human rights, particularly the right to participation is respected.

The electoral process is intricately interwoven with the enjoyment of a cocktail of human rights, including the right to freedom of association, assembly, expression, movement and the rights to life and dignity of human person”, Ojukwu added.

On the Foreign Aid Bill currently before the National Assembly, Ojukwu urged the legislators to engage with the people in a transparent manner to allay the fears of the public.