By Mercy Gadia Adi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity in parts of the country, following fresh cases of killings and mass abductions in Kebbi and Kwara states. The Commission warned that Nigeria is approaching a dangerous point where human life is losing value.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (OFR, SAN), described the kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the murder of worshippers in Kwara as grim reminders of the peril confronting citizens across the nation.
Ojukwu questioned why the country continues to grapple with Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists after years of military operations. “It is disturbing that Nigeria is still battling these groups since 2009 without decisive victory,” he said.
He stressed that Nigerians expect immediate and decisive protection from government, noting that safeguarding life is both a constitutional duty and a moral responsibility. According to him, “Every Nigerian life is sacred. Government must do everything within the law to secure lives and property.”
The NHRC boss warned that repeated attacks on schools and houses of worship—such as the Chibok abductions, the recent Maga school incident, and similar tragedies—pose serious questions about Nigeria’s commitment to the Safe Schools Declaration.
Citing Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution, Ojukwu reaffirmed that the right to life is guaranteed and must never be violated. He also referenced Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as well as Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which collectively reinforce the global and regional protection of human life.
The Commission called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to restore public confidence. It listed key demands including swift investigation and prosecution of offenders, proper compensation for victims, stronger security measures, and increased vigilance by citizens.
Ojukwu assured that the NHRC will continue to assess the situation and offer recommendations to authorities.
The statement was signed by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages.