The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concern over the rising cases of enforced disappearances, kidnappings, and abductions across Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, raised the concern in a statement to mark the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
Ojukwu described the trend as a “grave assault on human dignity,” noting that it has left countless families in anguish and prolonged psychological trauma.
He said insecurity fueled by insurgency, banditry, farmer-herder clashes, separatist violence and worsening poverty continues to drive the crisis of missing persons.
“Enforced disappearances, particularly in the context of security operations, remain a serious concern. These violations not only undermine human rights but also erode public trust in the state’s ability to protect its citizens,” Ojukwu said.
He reminded government of its obligations under international human rights treaties, including the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, to which Nigeria is a signatory.
The NHRC chief urged authorities to adopt proactive measures to tackle insecurity, strengthen justice and accountability mechanisms, and ensure security agencies adhere to human rights standards in their operations.
“They must ensure that perpetrators of kidnappings, abductions, and enforced disappearances are brought to justice,” he said, adding that the NHRC would continue to advocate and support victims’ rights.
“They may be missing, but definitely not forgotten. Only through a comprehensive response to insecurity — tackling insurgency, banditry, communal violence, separatist agitations and poverty — can Nigeria reduce the tragedy of missing persons and restore confidence in state institutions,” Ojukwu stressed.
The International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances is marked annually on Aug. 30 to draw attention to individuals held in unknown locations under conditions hidden from their families or legal representatives.
(NAN)