NHRC: Killings in Plateau, Benue could violate human rights if not curtailed…

NHRC: Killings in Plateau, Benue could violate human rights if not curtailed…

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said it was deeply disturbed by the recent escalation of violent attacks and killings in Benue and Plateau States.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission Dr. Tony Ojukwu lamented that these incidents had resulted in the tragic loss of lives, displacement of innocent people, and wanton destruction of property.

He said they had left many families and communities in trauma and despair.

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He emphasized that the right to life was a fundamental human right, enshrined in various international and national instruments.

He further expressed concerns that these attacks rooted in herder/farmer clashes were degenerating into ethnic, religious, or communal tensions, warning that these, if not checked could exacerbate the situation and lead to further human rights violations.

He noted that the NHRC was worried about the consequences of the ongoing carnage in Plateau and Benue during this rainy season, which is the farming season.

He said: “As we are all aware, Benue is the food basket of the nation. The present insecurity if unchecked means that people can no longer go to the farms this farming season.”

He added that: “The ongoing insecurity particularly in the food producing regions of the country all point to the looming famine and food insecurity in the near future. The trillions and billions borrowed from the banks to support Local Agriculture risk being wasted due to persistent insecurity and apparent lack of political will to deal with this menace for the past 10 years and more.”

In light of these developments, Ojukwu called on the government at all levels to take immediate and concrete steps to address the escalating security situation in Benue, Plateau, and other parts of the country.

“Under both the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights as well as International Convention on Civil and Political Rights including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” he stated.

He said: “The government has the primary duty for the protection of civilian. The deployment of adequate security personnel to affected areas to ensure the protection of lives and property; the Conduct of thorough investigation into the incidents and prosecuting perpetrators of violence to ensure accountability and justice; Provision of support and protection to vulnerable populations, including women, children and the elderly, constitute the primary responsibility of the government.

“Addressing the root causes of conflict and violence, including poverty, inequality, and social exclusion; as well as, promote dialogue and reconciliation among communities to foster peaceful coexistence must be pursued genuinely and intentionally by all relevant stakeholders.”

He also urged security agencies to adhere to international human rights standards and principles in their response to the situation, including the use of proportionate force and respect for human dignity.

He called on all relevant stakeholders, including community leaders, political office holders, civil society organizations, and the media, to work together to promote peace, tolerance, and understanding.

Ojukwu said: “The NHRC recognizes the important role that these stakeholders can play in preventing further violence and promoting human rights” he added. Efforts must be made by all to hold perpetrators to account including a public investigation, restitution, justice and compensation to victims and their families.”

He said that the Commission will continue to monitor the situation and engage with relevant authorities to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted.

He renewed calls for state and local government, police and adoption of a national policy for the protection of civilians and human harm mitigation during conflicts, as well as ranching to forestall escalation of terrorism, banditry and herder/farmers clashes in the country.