The National Human Rights Commission on Tuesday lamented the resurgence and escalation of deadly violence, especially on vigilance groups in different parts of Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of the commission, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, raised concern in his speech at the presentation of the month of July dashboard and observatory report in Abuja.

Mr Ojukwu said in Sokoto State, 15 men were killed in a reprisal by suspected members of Lakurawa and in Kebbi State, a similarly tragic pattern emerged, with three cops losing their lives in a failed abduction attempt.

He said that the commission received a total number of 331,035 complaints in the month of July.

He said, “The most prevalent issues this month are related to law enforcement and human dignity, freedom, and discrimination from economic, social and cultural rights.’’

He stated that these were not new issues, but their persistence underscores systemic problems which cannot be normalised.

He noted, “Ladies and gentlemen, the month of July represents the deadliest for vigilance groups in the country, with a fatality of almost a hundred deaths. The role of vigilance in supporting our security and armed forces in the field of battle should not be lost on us. Their decimation portends danger for our collective security and the enjoyment of our liberties. These are not isolated incidents; they represent a failure of security, justice and accountability.’’

Mr Ojukwu said there was an increase in targeted killings of law enforcement agents and frequent kidnappings and killings by bandits.

He noted the brazen acts of violence by cultist groups and widespread violations of the right to life, particularly in communities already vulnerable due to conflict and poverty.

He thanked the stakeholders and their supportive partners for their partnership.

Speaking, senior human rights adviser to the UN Resident Coordinator and the United Nations country team, Adwoa Kufuor, recognised that no country alone can resolve many of the challenges they face today.

“It is about partnership and that is why the UN in Nigeria will continue to support not only the NHRC but also the government of Nigeria in securing their rights. This dashboard has been an immense source of information for us to be able to understand what is happening at the national level with regard to human rights. And again, we want to commend the NHRC for taking this work forward,” she said.

Assistant Director, Legal Services, Police Service Commission (PSC), Victoria Orakwe, believed that the armed forces and the security agencies should be involved in the discussion.

She stated, “I encourage you to reach out to the security agencies. Let them come and hear. It makes us move forward; when they hear by themselves, that will further enhance the security of the nation, which is paramount to everyone.’’

(NAN)