NHRC Reports Over 460 Deaths in Four Nigerian States, Raises Concerns Over Human Rights Violations Amid Protests

Between July and August 2024, at least 467 Nigerians lost their lives in the states of Kaduna, Benue, Katsina, and Plateau, according to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The Commission also reported that over 1,200 protesters advocating for #EndBadGovernance have been detained by law enforcement across the country.

The NHRC expressed concern that some of these protesters had been held longer than the constitutional limit before being brought before a judge, even though some have already been charged and taken to court.

Presenting the Commission's human rights situation report for July and August 2024, Hillary Ogbona, Senior Human Rights Adviser to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, disclosed that the Commission received 414,200 complaints of human rights violations nationwide during this period.

According to the report, there were 142 documented killings in Kaduna, 137 in Benue, 112 in Katsina, and 76 in Plateau State.

Ogbona emphasized that protesting is a legal means of expressing grievances about government policies and should not be criminalized. "The government should not attempt to stop protests but guide them. Genuine protesters should not be lumped together with criminals," he said.

He further stated that looting and destruction of properties are criminal acts and should not be confused with peaceful protests. "Private and public properties were looted during the last protest, and we appeal to the government to assess the losses and support victims, many of whom may struggle to recover."

The NHRC urged the government to respect human rights during peaceful protests and to investigate the underlying causes, which may stem from Nigeria's political and economic conditions. The Commission advised that protests should be seen as a legitimate channel for citizens to voice their frustrations.

Ogbona also noted a rise in mass murders, kidnappings, attacks on police stations, press freedom violations, and violence against minors and law enforcement personnel. The NHRC is monitoring the legal proceedings involving detained protesters and called on the government to clarify charges of treason with clear intelligence.

Prof. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, Executive Secretary of the NHRC, condemned the use of excessive force against protesters, stressing the need for the government to adopt lasting measures to protect those displaced by violence. He highlighted that the #EndBadGovernance protests reflect citizens' desire for good governance.