By Abiola Olawale
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nigeria has reported a staggering 25% increase in complaints of human rights violations across the country in February 2025.
According to the NHRC’s latest monthly dashboard, presented on Wednesday in Abuja, the commission received 205,364 complaints last month, up from 169,850 in January.
Dr. Tony Ojukwu, the NHRC Executive Secretary, described the spike as a “disturbing trend” during the dashboard presentation, pointing to a range of violations including mass killings, abductions, extrajudicial killings by security forces, and a resurgence of Boko Haram attacks.
He revealed that the North-West and North-Central regions bore the brunt of mass killings and abductions, while cult-related violence, communal clashes, and a sharp rise in rape cases totalling 341 complaints.
Additionally, he said the commission recorded 136 cases of sexual violence, 6,954 domestic violence complaints, and a spike in child abandonment with approximately 1,400 cases.
A total of 121 deaths in vehicle-related accidents were reported in the month under consideration.
Highlighting human rights issues in focus in February 2025, the NHRC raised the alarm over a rise in suicide cases, and attacks on academic communities, in addition to regular topics such as cultism, extra-judicial killings, and deaths by accident.
As some state governments struggle with insecurity and crime in their domains, the Commission expressed concern that some legislations and policies introduced to address the challenges pose threats to citizens’ human rights.
Ojukwu stated: “February also witnessed the enactment of several laws with significant human rights implications. Among them, we saw the Edo State Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025, the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025, and the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition Law 2025. These laws promote severe penalties, including the death penalty, for individuals involved in cultism and kidnapping, particularly those linked to ritualistic activities.
“While we understand the sentiments and the need for strong measures against such heinous acts, it is crucial to ensure that the rights of the accused are upheld and that justice is administered in a manner consistent with international human rights standards.
“The disturbing trend of child abandonment remains largely unaddressed with an upsurge in reported cases to our offices. In a bid to support our work as frontline human rights defenders in dealing with issues of women and children, the NHRC has approved a Child Safeguarding Policy.
“The Policy is aimed at the protection of children and young persons who use the services of the NHRC from harm and ensure they are treated with dignity and their human rights protected.
“This month, we have received a total of 205,364 complaints, underscoring the ongoing challenges we face in securing human rights for all Nigerians. Notably, violations involving state actors continue to top the list, which remains a grave concern.
“Despite our collective efforts, there are still instances where those entrusted with enforcing the law end up being perpetrators of violations themselves.
“This reality calls for a renewed emphasis on accountability, particularly within law enforcement agencies. The use of power must always align with human rights standards, and any abuses must be swiftly addressed.”
