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The International Human Rights Commission – IHRC Corporation in Nigeria is calling on the Nigerian government to prioritize comprehensive security reform including the use of technology to address the root causes of insecurity in the country. The Organization is deeply concerned about the spate of senseless killings that are jeopardizing the safety and peace of Nigerians.

The organization called for concerted efforts to address these challenges and promote peace, human welfare, development, and progress, emphasizing the importance of protecting the lives and property of citizens, investigating acts of violence, and bringing perpetrators to justice.

The Commission in an official statement by its Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, condemned in strong terms the increasingly incessant killings bedeviling Nigeria, particularly in Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and Benue States to mention but few, urging President Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to urgently integrate Comprehensive Security Reform (CSR) leveraging technology to enhance security architecture and establishing effective oversight mechanisms in tackling the root causes of insecurity in the country.

He said the Organization is actively involved in monitoring situations bordering on human rights, peace, and development and building strategic partnerships aimed at reducing violent extremism in Nigeria.

Adding, “We are deeply saddened by the recent spate of killings in Nigeria, which have resulted in the loss of countless lives. Besides the issue of terrorism and banditry ravaging the northeast and northwest, the challenge of kidnapping runs through the entire north and parts of the south, while activities of unknown gunmen hold sway in the southeast”.

The one thing that is common to the conflicts, according to Dr. Duru, is that the civilian population is often subjected to gross human rights violations and humanitarian disasters. The dire consequences of these events spin off into adverse international humanitarian crises, which we now have in our hands in parts of the world, including Nigeria.

As the world grapples with multiple interconnected crises, such as widening gaps in peace, development, trust, and governance—he disclosed that humanity stands at a historic crossroads, facing increasing instability and transformation, underscoring the urgent need for solidarity, and cooperation has never been more evident.

“The government must take immediate steps to protect the lives and property of its citizens; governments should prioritize security challenges that affect the nation’s safety and well-being, and ensuring the protection of citizens from harm should be a top priority.

By prioritizing security challenges and avoiding partisan interests, he argued that governments can promote a safer and more stable environment for their citizens, while calling on the authorities to swiftly investigate these senseless acts of violence, bring the perpetrators to justice, and take all necessary measures to prevent further bloodshed.”

He further recommends that the Federal Government engage local communities to ensure that solutions are rooted in the specific cultural and socio-economic contexts of the affected regions, and also call on citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

Additionally, Dr. Duru expressed support and confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to lead Nigeria, given his past track records and achievements in advocating for democracy, including the 1993 NADECO’s Street March. He acknowledges the challenges facing the country but believes in Tinubu’s capacity to overcome them and bring about positive change – stating, “You have done it before; please do it again for the good of all Nigerians.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this difficult time. We stand in solidarity with the people of Nigeria”, he maintained.

*Signed*
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria.