By Hussaini Ibrahim
The Human Rights Research and Advocacy Centre has condemned the renewed wave of killings, kidnappings and destruction of communities by bandits and extremist groups across Nigeria, describing the attacks as a grave assault on citizens’ fundamental rights.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Coordinator, Zubair Muhammad, the group said the persistent violence had claimed many innocent lives, displaced thousands of residents and plunged affected communities into fear and uncertainty.
HURRAC expressed concern that the attacks were continuing despite repeated assurances by authorities, noting that families were being thrown into mourning while children were left orphaned.
“This situation is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy where the primary purpose of government is the protection of lives and property,” the statement read.
The organisation called on the Federal and state governments to urgently intensify efforts to end the violence, urging that security agencies be adequately equipped, motivated and held accountable to respond decisively to the threats posed by bandits and extremist elements.
It also stressed the need to go beyond military responses by addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, injustice and the proliferation of small arms.
HURRAC reminded the Nigerian government of its constitutional and international obligations to protect the right to life and human dignity, warning that continued failure to do so amounted to a violation of both domestic and international law.
“The persistent inability or unwillingness of the state to protect its citizens may compel us to explore all lawful measures, including actions before regional and international human rights mechanisms,” the group warned.
The rights organisation expressed solidarity with victims and their families and called on Nigerians, civil society groups, religious and community leaders to unite in demanding accountability and an end to the bloodshed.
“Human life must be valued above all political and economic considerations,” the statement added.
