…Wants perpetrators punished, reparation for victims

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has expressed shock and disbelief, over the killing of some protesting women in Lamurde community in Adamawa State by yet-to-be identified persons.

Media reports had it that seven women were killed when soldiers escorting their Commander, opened fire on them. But the Nigerian Army’s 23 Brigade in Adamawa State has denied culpability, saying neither the Commander nor his escorts were present at the scene when the incident occurred and blamed the killing on a ‘militant group’ from one of the two warring communities in the area.

But Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAM, the Executive Secretary/CEO, of the Commission, in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, described the killing of the women as tragic and unacceptable, no matter who committed the act.

He extended condolences to the families of the deceased, the wounded and those who were traumatized by what he described as ‘this heinous act,’ saying such actions amount to grave violation of human rights —fundamental, inalienable rights which every person in Nigeria is entitled to, by virtue of their humanity.

According to Ojukwu, “This act of violence is even the more embarrassing as it comes during the global 16 Days of Activism on Violence Against Women and three days to the Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights. Violations of National and International Human-Rights Standards.

“The killings violate multiple obligations and provisions of Nigerian and international laws, including but not limited to: 1. Domestic law (Constitution) a. The right to life, dignity and personal security as guaranteed under sections 33 and 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. b. The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association guaranteed under section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. 2. International and regional human-rights instruments As a State Party, Nigeria is bound by several fundamental treaties and conventions.

“The killings contravene: a. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), including Article 6 (right to life) and Article 21 (right to peaceful assembly) among others. b. The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), particularly the right to life, dignity, and to assemble peacefully. Furthermore, the pattern of violence against peaceful protesters undermines the protective mandate of the NHRC, which exists to uphold these very rights under its enabling legislation. On the 31st of July, the NHRC issued an “Advisory on the Protection of the Right to Freedom of Association and Assembly in Nigeria” where it stated the principles and values underpinning these twin freedoms as cornerstones of our democracy.”

The NHRC boss said further that- “It is our strongest view that where the Freedom of Assembly is violated, the very foundation of our democracy is attacked,” adding that the National Human Rights Commission affirms that the killing of protesting women whether done by members of the Armed Forces as alleged by many accounts or by Non-State Actors, violates the very essence of our humanity – the right to life.”

The Commission therefore made the following demands- “The National Human Rights Commission therefore calls on all responsible authorities to immediately: a. Launch a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killings; b. Identify and hold to account all those responsible — including command-level officers — and ensure they face appropriate criminal prosecution; c. Provide full reparations and support to the victims, their families and the communities affected; d. Guarantee that no similar incident happens again, by enforcing strict adherence to legal standards on use of force, and by facilitating the safe exercise of citizens’ rights to protest, assembly, and expression.”

“In view of the above, the NHRC demands that: 1. The Federal and State Governments should commit to respecting and protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful protest, and immediately review security-sector protocols to prevent excessive use of force. 2. Measures for reparation and psychosocial support be made available to survivors and families of victims. 3. Civic-education and human-rights awareness programmes be scaled up — especially in conflict-prone areas — to rebuild public trust and reinforce the legitimacy of peaceful protest as a tool for social change.

“4. The Federal Government should fast-track the adoption of the National Policy on Protection of Civilians in Conflict Situations.

“5. The Adamawa State Government initiates as a matter of urgency peacebuilding and conflict resolution mechanisms to resolve on-going inter-communal conflicts in the state.

“The NHRC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending the inalienable rights of all Nigerians, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children.

“The Commission shall deploy its full mandate, including monitoring, investigation, and public reporting — to ensure justice, accountability and non-repetition.

“We stand ready to work with the authorities, civil society, and affected communities to ensure that this tragedy does not reoccur and that those who lost their lives in Lamurde, or whose rights were violated, receive justice, recognition and dignity,” Ojukwu concluded.