NHRC Condemns Kebbi Schoolgirls' Kidnapping, Kwara Church Attack, Demands Government Protection

The NHRC called for the government to take measures against the rising instability in the nation. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC...

The NHRC called for the government to take measures against the rising instability in the nation.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) expressed sorrow on Thursday over the ongoing assaults, abductions, and murders of Nigerians in different states throughout the nation.

After the recent kidnapping of 25 female students in Kebbi State and the attack on worshippers in Kwara State, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, stated, "The value of human life is rapidly declining in the country, and once more highlights the serious threats our nation is encountering."

As per a press release from the NHRC, Mr Ojukwu stated that the commission wonders "why Africa's giant is still facing disorganized Boko Haram and ISWAP militants since 2009 without achieving clear results."

On 17 November, terrorists abducted 25 schoolgirlsfrom Maga Comprehensive Girls' Secondary School located in the Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The militants are also said to have killed a teacher named Hassan Makuku and a local security personnel, referred to only as Ali, throughout the attack.

In the same way, during a live-streamed worship service at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, located in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State,extremists carried out an unexpected assault, according to reportsmurdering at least three individuals and kidnapping multiple congregants.

The extremists also harmed a local vigilante. The attack, as reported by sources in Egbe, a town in Kogi State that shares a border with Eruku in Kwara State. This event took place on 18 November.

Since 2009, Nigeria, especially the northern regions, has faced a series of violent attacks resulting in numerous deaths, injuries, and abductions, with many communities affected.

NHRC demands action

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Ojukwu, thus called for prompt measures from the Nigerian government to safeguard the right to life of its people.

We call for: Thorough investigation and legal action against those responsible for these terrible crimes; proper compensation and assistance for victims and their families; enhancement of security protocols to avoid future incidents; and, above all, heightened awareness and reporting of unusual activities by the public.

It is a moral and legal duty for the government to guarantee the safety and security of its people, as every life holds great value and must be protected. The Chibok school girls' case and other tragic events, such as the recent Maga school incident, challenge the safety commitments that Nigeria has pledged to uphold.

He pointed out that these actions should not be permitted to happen again, as they breach the rights to life, security, and religious freedom protected by the Nigerian constitution and various international human rights agreements to which Nigeria is a party.

Mr. Ojukwu referenced Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which noted that "Human beings are inviolable. Each individual is entitled to respect for their life and the integrity of their body. No person may be arbitrarily denied this right."

He also referenced Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which says, "Everyone is entitled to life, freedom, and personal safety."

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