The Human Rights Research and Advocacy Centre (HURRAC) condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent wave of brutal killings, kidnappings and destruction of communities carried out by bandits and extremist groups in various parts of Nigeria.
Accordimg to a statement issued on Sunday by the National Coordinator of HURRAC, Zubair Mohammed Esq., these senseless attacks have claimed numerous innocent lives and displaced thousands.
The killings represent grave assault on the dignity, security and fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens.
HURRAC notes with deep concern that despite repeated assurances by relevant authorities the violence continues unabated.
Families are being thrown into mourning, children are being orphaned and several communities are living in perpetual fear.
This situation is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy where the primary purpose of government is the protection of lives and property.
We therefore call on the Federal and State Governments to immediately intensify their efforts toward ending these atrocities.
Security agencies must be adequately equipped, motivated, and held accountable to respond decisively to the threat posed by these bandits and extremist elements.
Governments must address the root causes of insecurity beyond military actions including poverty, injustice and proliferation of arms.
HURRAC wishes to remind the Nigerian government that it bears a sacred duty to preserve, protect and promote the fundamental rights of its citizens particularly the right to life and human dignity under Nigeria’s Constitution and other International human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory to.
The persistent failure to discharge this obligation amounts to a violation of both domestic and international law.
HURRAC will have no option but to explore all lawful measures, including initiating actions before regional and international human rights mechanisms, to compel the Nigerian state to fulfil its responsibilities if the government continue to demonstrate inability or unwillingness to protect the Nigerian people
We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families and call on all Nigerians, civil society organizations, religious and community leaders to unite in demanding accountability and an end to this bloodshed.
Human life must be valued above all political and economic considerations.
