‘About 526 killed in violent attacks, 949 kidnapped in 2024’

The Nigeria 2024 yearly human rights report has revealed that at least 526 persons were killed in violent attacks and 949 others kidnapped by criminal elements in parts of the country.

The report also captured attacks by criminal elements on security agents at checkpoints and other security formations, adding that the incidence of insecurity across the country remains on the rise, evidenced by kidnapping, banditry, and communal clashes.

Executive Director of Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Mr Clement Nwankwo, launched the report yesterday in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2024 Human Rights Day celebrated on December 10.

According to Nwankwo, despite the protection of rights by Nigeria’s Constitution and international obligations, violations, such as extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, police brutality, and unlawful detentions continue to undermine the rule of law.

Nwankwo noted that security agencies, tasked with maintaining law and order, have faced accusations of abusing their powers, with instances of harassment, extortion, and sexual
violence.

He said: “These issues point to systemic flaws in law enforcement that demand urgent reform and greater accountability. Victims of human rights abuse often face significant barriers to obtaining justice, including delays in prosecution and an overall lack of transparency in investigative processes.

“This culture of impunity not only exacerbates citizens’ frustrations but also hinders efforts to build a society based on justice and fairness.

“Speaking at the National Legislative Forum on Human Rights, the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission stated that the Commission receives over two million complaints of human rights violations yearly.”

Nwankwo added that the PLAC’s human rights report also discussed the arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists and other individuals over utterances and publications alleged to have defamed the government or highly placed individuals.

He said that a provision of the law, which has been used over the years to support these indiscriminate acts, is section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act, which defines the offence of cyberstalking.