Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) strongly condemns the recent gruesome killing of 16 travelling hunters in Edo State, who were mistaken as kidnappers.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN , expressed deep concern over this horrific incident, which highlights the dangers of mob justice and the urgent need for effective law enforcement and respect for human rights.
“We commend Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for his swift and decisive action in suspending the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), and banning all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state, but more need to be done” he said.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of the Country said the Commission wishes to use this opportunity to remind the government and the people of Nigeria that every individual has the right to life, as enshrined in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution as amended as well as Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Furthermore, he said the Commission emphasized that the freedom of movement, as guaranteed by the Constitution and Article 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, has been grossly violated in this dastardly incident.
“We at the Commission demand that all the perpetrators be fished out and brought to justice. We call on the government to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future. There is no justification for jungle justice anywhere in the world, ” he said.
The Learned Silk emphasized that every Nigerian has the right to life, dignity, and freedom from violence, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or occupation.
He said the Commission will continue to advocate for the protection of human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria. “We urge the Edo State Government to continue its investigation into the killings and ensure that all perpetrators face the full wrath of the law. On our part, we will continue to monitor the process of investigation to ensure that justice is served. This will serve as a deterrent to others.
“Promotion and protection of human rights is paramount to national development, let’s all imbibe the culture of respect for human rights and fundamental freedom to make Nigeria a better place.” The Human Rights Advocate admonished.
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