The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has released a report on the state of human rights in Nigeria, revealing significant violence and political unrest.
According to the NHRC, at least 467 Nigerians were killed in four northern states – Kaduna, Benue, Katsina, and Plateau – between July and August 2024.
Hillary Ogbona, Senior Human Rights Adviser to the NHRC Executive Secretary, presented these findings during the commission’s human rights situation report for July and August.
Ogbona stated, “Kaduna recorded the highest number of killings with 142, followed by Benue with 137, Katsina with 112, and Plateau with 76.”
The report also highlighted the detention of approximately 1,200 #EndBadGovernance protesters by security agencies nationwide.
Ogbona emphasized that protests are a constitutional right, saying, “The government should not attempt to stop protests but rather guide them. Genuine protesters should not be lumped with criminals.”
NHRC Executive Secretary, Prof Tony Ojukwu, condemned the use of brutal force against protesters, urging the government to view protests as calls for good governance rather than threats.
The commission reported receiving 414,200 complaints of human rights abuses nationwide in the last two months.
Ogbona noted a “massive increase in killings, abductions, attacks on police stations, press freedom violations, and rights of association and assembly violations.”
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The NHRC called on the government to adopt a human rights approach to lawful protests and address the root causes, which stem from economic and political situations.
The commission also appealed for support for victims of looting and property destruction during recent protests.
