National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), yesterday, said it received a total of 427,606 complaints of human rights violation in October 2024, from its 38 offices nationwide.

NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr Tony Ojukwu, who disclosed this at the presentation of the monthly human rights situation dashboard by the commission in Abuja, said while the figure was a significant increase from previous months, it also signalled an undeniable pattern of systemic human rights violations nationwide.

This disturbing trend, Ojukwu said, spoke to the deep-rooted inequalities and prejudices that continued to plague the society, adding that the challenge was not just to acknowledge the issue, but to take decisive action to dismantle the barriers and ensure equal treatment for all Nigerians, regardless of background, ethnicity, religion, or status.

He said: “These actions are not isolated incidents; they are part of a broader pattern of shrinking civic space and increasing state repression against those who dare to challenge the status quo.

“The minors’ arrests, particularly, underscore the vulnerability of young people in the context of a fragile democracy, and the critical need to ensure their rights are protected. It also questions the fearless participation of citizens in national development.”

Ojukwu said the report, launched in January 2024, had become a central tool in tracking and analysing the state of human rights in Nigeria, adding: “As we reflect on progress made, we are also compelled to confront the challenges that persist, with a clear commitment to advocate for justice, dignity, and the fundamental freedoms of all Nigerians.

“The dashboard is not merely a collection of data; it is a call to action and a powerful tool for advocacy. Each number represents the voice of a citizen, each statistic points to a broader story of rights, violations, and the urgent need for accountability.

“Through this monthly process, we have consistently provided a comprehensive overview of human rights concerns, detailing complaints received from across the country, as well as tracked incidents of human rights violations. By doing so, we aim to offer a vital resource to all those working to advance human rights in Nigeria.”

He said the findings of the commission had not only captured the attention of stakeholders, but had also triggered meaningful discussions and actions on pressing human rights issues and expressed the resolve of the commission to remain resolute in its mission to chart the way forward for Nigeria’s human rights landscape.

Presenting the October, 2024 human rights situation dashboard, the Senior Human Rights Adviser to the NHRC’s Executive Secretary and the coordinator of the situation dashboard, Mr Hillary Ogbonna, said human rights violation complaints received increased by 27 per cent in the month of October.