The National Human Rights Commission in Borno said it recorded 499 cases of human rights abuse between January and November.

The state coordinator, Jummai Mshelia, disclosed this during a conference in Borno on Wednesday.

Ms Mshelia said about 200 cases sent to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution were processed while others were pending.

According to her, most cases are related to domestic violence, forceful marriage, marriage, rape, indecent assault, neglect and sexual exploitation.

She said some cases were being prosecuted by NAPTIP, noting that they were able to secure some convictions.

Ms Mshelia commended the judiciary, police, the network of Civil Society Organisations(CSO), NAPTIP, and other stakeholders for their support in the fight against human rights abuses.

She urged victims to always keep enough evidence to enable the commission to prosecute offenders in courts.

“without evidence, we can’t do enough to help victims in court,” she said. “Victims and their families should use their phones to record evidence.”

She also urged the Borno State government to provide a DNA facility to ease cases arising from unwanted pregnancies.

“There has been a rise in cases of unwanted pregnancy, and it is always difficult to prove without a DNA test.

“In Adamawa, for example, they have the DNA facility. At least it will help conflicting parties solve issues of who owns a child,” she said.

(NAN)