The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed deep concern over the disturbing rise in violent attacks and killings in Benue and Plateau States, as well as other parts of the country, resulting in massive loss of lives, displacement of innocent civilians, and widespread destruction of property.
In a swift reaction to the incidents, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, emphasized that the right to life is a fundamental human right, protected under both international and national legal frameworks. He warned that the continued attacks, often stemming from herder-farmer clashes, are gradually degenerating into ethnic, religious, and communal crises.
“The situation, if not urgently addressed, may spiral into wider human rights violations with grave consequences for national unity and development,” Ojukwu cautioned.
The NHRC expressed particular concern about the impact of the insecurity during the current rainy season, which coincides with peak farming activities. The Commission noted that states like Benue, known as the food basket of the nation, may be unable to cultivate food due to persistent threats to farmers, potentially aggravating food insecurity and leading to famine.
According to Dr. Ojukwu, “The billions borrowed to support local agriculture may go to waste if the security situation is not tackled decisively. The lack of political will to address this crisis for over a decade has only deepened the vulnerability of affected communities.”
He called on governments at all levels to take urgent and concrete steps to protect civilians in line with the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and global instruments such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
These steps, he said, must include:
Deployment of adequate security personnel to vulnerable areas.
Independent investigation into the attacks and prosecution of perpetrators.
Comprehensive support for displaced and vulnerable populations, especially women, children, and the elderly.
Tackling the root causes of the conflict, such as poverty, inequality, and exclusion.
Promoting genuine reconciliation and dialogue among communities.
The NHRC further urged security agencies to uphold international human rights standards in their operations, ensuring the use of proportionate force and respect for human dignity.
Dr. Ojukwu appealed to community leaders, political actors, civil society organizations, and the media to promote peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding.
“The Commission recognizes the critical role of all stakeholders in preventing further violence and protecting human rights,There must be accountability through public investigations, justice, compensation, and restitution for victims and their families.”he said.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to monitoring the situation closely and engaging relevant authorities to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights.
The NHRC also renewed its call for the adoption of a national policy for civilian protection and harm mitigation during conflict, as well as the establishment of ranching systems to prevent the recurrence of herder-farmer clashes, terrorism, and banditry.
