The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of enforced disappearances, kidnappings, and abductions in Nigeria.

NHRC’s executive secretary, Tony Ojukwu (SAN), expressed this concern in a statement on the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances.

Mr Ojukwu described the rising cases as a grave assault on human dignity.

He noted that the alarming trend has left countless families in anguish and uncertainty, with victims’ loved ones facing psychological trauma and prolonged distress.

” The incessant wave of insecurity, ranging from insurgency, banditry, herder-farmer clashes, separatist violence, and worsening poverty, continues to fuel cases of missing persons across the country.

“Enforced disappearances, particularly in the context of security operations, remain a serious concern.

” These violations not only undermine human rights but also erode public trust in the state’s ability to protect its citizens,” he said.

Mr Ojukwu stated that relevant international human rights instruments, including the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, to which Nigeria is a signatory, are there.

He reminded the government of its obligation to safeguard the rights to liberty, security, recognition before the law, and freedom from torture and ill-treatment.

“The commission urges governments at all levels to adopt proactive measures to address the root causes of insecurity while strengthening accountability and justice mechanisms.

”We further call on security agencies to strictly adhere to international human rights standards in their operations. They must ensure that perpetrators of kidnappings, abductions, and enforced disappearances are brought to justice,” he said.

He pledged continued advocacy and support to uphold the rights of victims.

“They may be missing, but definitely not forgotten. Only through a comprehensive response to insecurity by way of tackling insurgency, banditry, communal violence, separatist agitations, and poverty, can Nigeria reduce the tragic phenomenon of missing persons and restore confidence in state institutions,” he said.

International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is celebrated annually every August 30.

The day is celebrated to raise awareness about the fate of individuals imprisoned in places and under poor conditions, unknown to their relatives or legal representatives. 

(NAN)