The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today July 7th 2025 at its headquarters Abuja presented the June 2025 Human Rights Situation Dashboard, shedding light on a disturbing surge in human rights violations across Nigeria.
According to the Dashboard report which was presented by the Senior Advisor to NHRC Executive Secretary Hillary Ogbonna, the commission received a staggering 327,154 complaints in June 2025, underscoring the pressing need for enhanced security measures and protection of human rights.He noted that the commission has received over 1.4 million complaints, with over 20,000 resolved and over 6,000 investigations completed.
In his welcome address Dr. Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of NHRC, expressed profound concern over the escalating trend of violent attacks, insecurity, and human rights abuses. He cited the brutal assaults on the Yelewata and Dauda communities in Benue State, where over 200 innocent lives were lost, as a grim reminder of the country’s security challenges. These senseless killings, Dr. Ojukwu emphasized, represented a grave affront to human dignity and a stark reminder of the need for collective action to protect human rights.
The report highlighted a wave of violent attacks that have left communities shattered and families torn apart. In addition to the Benue State attacks, over 17 soldiers were killed in coordinated attacks in Kaduna and Niger States, while over 40 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were massacred in Ruggar Chida. The commission also noted the intensification of insecurity on highways, with over 50 travelers abducted along major transit routes in Kogi and Benue States.
The NHRC further emphasized the need for decisive and coordinated security interventions, sustained advocacy, and strengthened collaboration to address the root causes of these issues. The commission also called for increased support from development partners to promote human rights and justice.
In response to questions from journalists and stakeholders, Dr. Ojukwu highlighted the constitutional framework for addressing human rights issues, stating, “The constitutional directions already allow that. The constitutional reviews are going on now. I’m not sure anybody has any doubts about the role of the commission in promoting and protecting human rights.”
When asked about constraints in terms of funding, Dr. Ojukwu appealed for increased support, saying, “The issue of funding of the Commission is one that the Commission has been campaigning to carry out its programs. We have the experience, and all kinds of people support the funding of the Commission. The country’s promotion of our funding is very important.”
Ojukwu also expressed gratitude to partners , Media and stakeholders, including the United Nations Development Programme, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and GANHRI, for their support to the Tripartite Partnership Programme (TPP).
In a significant development, the NHRC Executive Secretary has been elected as President of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NNHRI-WA), following the 7th Regional Consultation held in Abuja. Dr. Ojukwu pledged to leverage this leadership position to drive meaningful change and promote justice and human rights across the region.
The NHRC therefore assured that it remain committed to its mandate of promoting, protecting, and enforcing human rights across Nigeria.
As the commission continue to navigate the complexities of human rights protection in the country, it is clear that sustained efforts are needed to address the root causes of human rights violations and promote a culture of respect for human dignity.
