By Adeyinka Adeniran
The International Human Rights Commission – (IHRC) Corporation in Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to prioritise comprehensive security reform including the use of technology to address the root causes of insecurity in the country.
The organisation also called for concerted efforts to address these challenges and promote peace, human welfare, development, and progress, emphasising the importance of protecting the lives and property of citizens, investigating acts of violence, and bringing perpetrators to justice.
The Commission in a statement on Thursday by its Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, Ambassador (Dr.) Duru Hezekiah, condemned in strong terms the increasing incessant killings bedeviling Nigeria, particularly in Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and Benue states to mention a few.
He urges President Bola Tinubu’s administration to urgently integrate Comprehensive Security Reform (CSR) leveraging technology to enhance security architecture and establish effective oversight mechanisms in tackling the root causes of insecurity in the country.
Hezekiah said the organization is actively involved in monitoring situations bordering on human rights, peace, and development and building strategic partnerships aimed at reducing violent extremism in Nigeria.
He said, “We are deeply saddened by the recent spate of killings in Nigeria, which have resulted in the loss of countless lives. Besides the issue of terrorism and banditry ravaging the Northeast and Northwest, the challenge of kidnapping runs through the entire North and parts of the South, while activities of unknown gunmen hold sway in the Southeast.”
One thing that is common to the conflicts, according to Dr. Hezekiah, is that the civilian population is often subjected to gross human rights violations and humanitarian disasters. “The dire consequences of these events spin off into adverse international humanitarian crises, which we now have in our hands in parts of the world, including Nigeria.”
As the world grapples with multiple interconnected crises, such as widening gaps in peace, development, trust, and governance, he disclosed that humanity stands at a historic crossroads, facing increasing instability and transformation, noting that the urgent need for solidarity and cooperation has never been more evident.
“The government must take immediate steps to protect the lives and property of its citizens; governments should prioritise security challenges that affect the nation’s safety and well-being, and ensure that the protection of citizens from harm becomes a top priority,” he added.
The IHRC Head said the governments can promote a safer and more stable environment for their citizens, while calling on the authorities to swiftly investigate the acts of violence, bring the perpetrators to justice, and take all necessary measures to prevent further bloodshed.
He further recommended that the Federal Government engage local communities to ensure that solutions are rooted in the specific cultural and socio-economic contexts of the affected regions, and also called on citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
Dr. Hezekiah also expressed support and confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to lead Nigeria, given his past track records and achievements in advocating for democracy, including the 1993 NADECO’s Street March.
He acknowledged the challenges facing the country but expressed belief in Tinubu’s capacity to overcome them and bring about positive change, adding, “You have done it before; please do it again for the good of all Nigerians.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this difficult time. We stand in solidarity with the people of Nigeria,” he maintained.
