Benue: group sues FG over humanitarian crisis in IDPs
A Non-Governmental organisation and human rights group, Lawyers Alert, has sued the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation over the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting internally-displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue State.
In the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Makurdi, the group sought to address the IDP crisis in Benue State, with a specific focus on government’s failure to provide adequate security and facilitate the return of displaced citizens to their ancestral homes.
The Director in charge of legal department, Bamidele Jacobs, said the objective was to ensure that the fundamental rights of the affected vulnerable groups are upheld.
He said: “The lawsuit is grounded in several provisions of the 1999 Constitution, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights(Ratification and Enforcement) Act, both of which guarantee the right to life, dignity, personal liberty, and security.
The plaintiff highlighted the legal obligations of the Federal Government to protect lives and property of its citizens, particularly the IDPs in Benue State, as enshrined in Sections 33(1), 34(1), 35(1), and 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian constitution, which guarantees the rights to life, human dignity, and personal liberty.
It noted that government’s failure to provide adequate security in IDP camps, and relocate displaced persons to their ancestral homes amounted to a gross violation of constitutional and human rights.
Jacobs lamented that reports of sexual violence and rape in the camps have exacerbated the situation and further eroding the dignity and safety of the displaced persons.
He called on the Federal Government to take necessary actions to address the humanitarian crisis at Benue IDP camp. He said the group is seeking a court declaration that the Nigerian government is bound by law to ensure the security of IDPs and return them to their homes.
“The organization is also seeking an order compelling the government to provide the necessary security, shelter, and other essential amenities to enable IIDPs resettle and regain their livelihoods.”
The group noted that the continued displacement of these individuals has not only led to severe mental and physical health issues, but has also deprived them of their economic and cultural rights.
The action drew attention to the severe socio-economic consequences faced by the displaced persons, particularly those from Tiv ethnic group, who are primarily farmers and have been cut off from their land and means of livelihood.
The group noted that the extended stay of affected persons at the IDP camp has hindered children’s education and disrupted the community structure, leading to further hardship for families.
The organisation said the urgency of the case is underscored by recent media reports on the worsening conditions in IDP camps across Benue State.
The organisation noted that the reports showed that the IDPs, especially children, are facing increasing challenges, including sexual violence and mental health crises, due to prolonged displacement.
The case is expected to be heard in the coming months at the Federal High Court in Makurdi and Lawyers Alert is optimistic that the court will grant the reliefs sought and compel the government to take immediate action to resolve the IDP crisis in Benue State.
Related
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.