THE National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reported that non-state actors were responsible for the deaths of 1,463 people and the kidnapping of 1,172 Nigerians from January to September 2024.
According to the commission’s data, the month of May saw the highest number of fatalities, with 298 people killed, while March recorded the most kidnappings, totaling 499.
These statistics were shared yesterday during a workshop on the state of human rights in Nigeria, co-hosted by the NHRC and the European Union in Abuja.
In his address, NHRC Senior Human Rights Adviser Hillary Ogbonna outlined the concerning increase in human rights abuses, particularly highlighting the rise in killings, kidnappings, and instances of child abandonment.
“By January 2024, there were already 150 documented kidnappings and 55 killings primarily carried out by non-state actors. The killing of law enforcement officers has unfortunately become routine,” he stated. “We began the year with seven police officers killed, and we recorded a significant number of victims of human rights violations in January alone.”
The NHRC attributed the surge in kidnappings, killings, and child abandonment to the state’s failure to adequately protect its citizens.
“We have observed increasingly alarming threats against individuals who dare to speak out against power,” NHRC Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu stated. “This serves as a critical reminder that the fight for human rights is a continuous effort that necessitates persistent vigilance, action, and cooperation across all sectors of society.”
The EU delegation reaffirmed its commitment to assist Nigeria in addressing these issues and urged the Federal Government to collaborate with the armed forces to reverse these trends.
“The European Union will continue to engage globally through diplomatic efforts,” said Zissimos Vergos, Head of the EU Delegation.
