By Anthony Ochela, Abuja
National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has frowned at the recent gruesome killing of 16 traveling hunters in Edo State, who were mistaken as kidnappers.
Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu (SAN) expressed concern over the incident, which he said highlighted the dangers of mob justice and the urgent need for effective law enforcement and respect for human rights.
“We commend the Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, for his swift and decisive action in suspending the Commander of Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (rtd) and banning all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state, but more needs to be done”, he said.
Dr Ojukwu reminded government and the people of Nigeria that every individual has the right to life, as enshrined in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, as well as Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Furthermore, the commission emphasized that the freedom of movement, as guaranteed by the Constitution and Article 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, has been grossly violated in this dastardly incident.
“We, at the commission, demand that all the perpetrators be fished out and brought to justice. We call on government to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future, there is no justification for jungle justice anywhere in the world”, he said.
He emphasised that every Nigerian has the right to life, dignity and freedom from violence, regardless of their ethnicity, religion or occupation.
He said the commission would continue to advocate for the protection of human rights and the rule of law. “We urge the Edo State government to continue its investigation into the killings and ensure that all perpetrators face the full wrath of the law. On our part, we will continue to monitor the process of investigation to ensure that justice is served. This will serve as a deterrent to others.
“Promotion and protection of human rights is paramount to national development, let us all imbibe the culture of respect for human rights and fundamental freedom to make Nigeria a better place,” the human rights advocate admonished.
