At least 750 persons were killed in attacks by bandits, terrorists and other non-state actors, while no less than 45 persons were abducted from various educational institutions in the country in 2023. A report by Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) has said.

The report 2023 human rights report was issued on Friday in Abuja by PLAC’s Executive Director, Clement Nwankwo at an event to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Human Rights Day themed ‘Freedom, Equality and Justice for All.

Nwankwo said, it was against the backdrop of ravaging insecurity, arbitrariness exhibited by state institutions and deepening levels of poverty that the status of human rights protection in the year 2023 is examined.

He regretted that, life in general has remained insecure in most parts of the country, even as soldiers were deployed in virtually all of Nigeria’s 36 States.

According to him, the levels of impunity and breakdown of the institutions of governance pose major threats to Nigeria’s democracy, lamenting a growing encroachments on the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression, with public officials and institutions showing increasing intolerance.

“The year opened with reports of attacks on unarmed civilians by insurgents and other non-state actors on one hand, and the security forces on another.

“It is also ending the same way. In one incident, about 120 persons, including women and children were killed in Kaduna in a mistaken air strike on the 3rd of December, leaving over 80 other persons injured.

“There are also many reports of extra-judicial killings by security forces. Other security threats from non-state actors have persisted, and in some cases taken a turn for the worse.”

The director noted that the report also observed the infringement of the freedom of expression and of the press that took the form of high-handed clampdown on the broadcast media by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) through arbitral imposition of fines for alleged infractions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

“However, it is notable that a Nigerian Court has ruled that the NBC does not have judicial powers to impose penalties, while the Court of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has adjudged that the NBC’s imposition of fines and penalties on broadcast stations violates freedom of expression.

“In addition, threats to civic space, particularly the ability of civil society organisations to function without restraint and encumbrance is a continuing concern.

“Recent judgments arising from the Judiciary especially with regard to the 2023 general elections have further deepened questions about the Judiciary’s conduct and questions around its non-partisanship and independence from political interference.

“Although no specific allegation of corrupt practices have been investigated or verified, public perception has continued to interrogate the ability of the judiciary to rise above these allegations.

“The importance of the Judiciary’s key roles of interpreting laws and delivering justice cannot be overstated. However, in the discharge of these responsibilities, it is crucial that justice must be seen to be done by those who approach the courts and by the generality of Nigerians.” He added.

Nwankwo insisted that, Nigeria needs to return to the path of respect for human rights and the rule of law in order to preserve its democracy, advising that practices that impinge on personal freedoms must be expunged.

“For years, police abuse of human rights has remained a challenge in the country. The government will need to implement Police reform in order to bring the Police and other security agencies into conformity with international and national laws and best practices that emphasise respect for human rights.” (The Guardian)

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