 |
| Mr Sylvester Yibis speaking to journalists |
By Williams Ago, Gombe
A network of human rights activists in Nigeria have expressed grave concern over the worsening state of insecurity occasioned by incessant killings taking place in different parts of the country.
As part of activities to mark the 2025 National Day of Mourning observed on 28th of May yearly, the Human Rights network also wrote a strong worded letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, State governors and the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, demanding they live up to their constitutional responsibilities of securing the lives and dignity of all citizens.
In the letter, which was made available to our Correspondent in Gombe by Sylvester Yibis, one of the leaders of the Network in Northeast Nigeria, it said it has tracked the alarming and persistent pattern of killings, abductions, and forced disappearances committed by both state and non-state actors across the country.
According to the letter, the network noted that "Between 2019 and 2024, we recorded at least 30,200 deaths and 20,678 abductions resulting from incidents of mass violence in Nigeria.
"These figures do not capture the full extent of harm, as they exclude widespread criminal violence such as armed robbery, ritual killings, and cult-related clashes," it stated.
It reported further that, "In the first five months of 2025 alone, at least 2,815 more people have been killed and 662 abducted, underscoring the continuing deterioration of public safety and the glaring failure of deterrence.
"These atrocities have become so routine that the rights to life and dignity enshrined in Sections 33 and 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) are increasingly symbolic rather than protected realities.
"Across the country, entire communities have been razed, children orphaned, families displaced, and the social fabric of the nation shredded.
"These attacks have intensified in the North Central region, marked by genocidal pillages and targeted killings, and have spread across the North West, North East, and Southern states with varying manifestations," the human rights network decried.
It alerted that the newly emerging terror groups such as Lakurawa and Mahmuda now operate with impunity, seizing control of communities, collecting taxes from residents, and demanding ransoms in exchange for life and peace are issues demanding government's immediate action.
The network therefore reminded the government officials to fulfill their constitutional obligation under Section 14(2)(b) by ensuring the security and welfare of all Nigerians, and take urgent steps to halt the continued killings and abductions.
It also called for the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of all perpetrators of violent crimes, including those responsible for atrocities committed during and after the 2023 general elections, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious affiliation.
Other demands by the network is that government must "Disrupt the financial infrastructure of terrorism by tracking ransom and extortion payments and holding accountable those facilitating or benefiting from these criminal networks.
"Address systemic drivers of violence, including poverty, marginalization, poor access to education, and the infrastructural neglect of underserved and conflict-prone regions as well as provide adequate welfare and psychosocial support to security personnel who remain on the front lines daily, often in extremely traumatic and life-threatening conditions.
"Treat internally displaced persons (IDPs) with dignity and humanity, in accordance with Section 17(2)(c) of the Constitution and Nigeria’s obligations under regional and international humanitarian law.
“Also, support the formation of community-led safety watches to bolster local response capabilities, foster community resilience, and fill the protection gaps left by the failure of state security structures," it appealed.
While standing in solidarity with every Nigerian, who has lost a loved one, a home, or a sense of safety, the network said, "We honor the memories of the dead and reaffirm our resolve to keep speaking out for justice, peace, and accountability".
0 comments:
Post a Comment