Abuja: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has announced that it recorded the highest number of abductions in November. The Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, disclosed this during the presentation of the November edition of the dashboard in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Ojukwu stated that the commission received 422,942 complaints, emphasizing the human impact behind each statistic. In November, over 800 abductions were recorded, involving individuals such as farmers, travelers, students, and worshippers. This alarming figure marks the most cases of abductions since the Chibok incident.
Dr. Ojukwu highlighted the particular concern over the abductions of school children in Maga and Papiri in Kebbi and Niger States. He emphasized the crucial role of education in addressing global challenges like violent extremism, poverty, and inequalities, calling for national reflection and action.
The insecurity affecting communities has led to increased fear and restricted daily activities. Dr. Ojukwu pointed out the growing impunity, where crimes are committed with little consequence, affecting the nation’s future.
He expressed concern over the ‘shrinking civic space’ and the disproportionate impact of violence on women and children. These issues, he said, signal deeper societal problems needing comprehensive solutions.
Dr. Ojukwu urged collective action from government bodies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, and citizens to combat these issues. He assured that the NHRC is committed to documenting violations and advocating for accountability but emphasized the need for broader support.
Speaking at the presentation, Mr. Hiliary Ogbonna, senior human rights adviser to the commission, reported 815 kidnappings, reflecting a 700 percent increase, alongside 217 killings, which showed a 15 percent reduction.