The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says a total of 1,463 Nigerians have been killed in the country by non-state actors, while 1,172 people have been kidnapped between January and September 2024.

According to data from the commission, the month of May recorded the highest number of deaths totalling 298, while the month of March recorded the highest number of abductions with 499 persons kidnapped.

These figures were presented on Wednesday at a workshop in Abuja on the state of human rights in Nigeria by the Commission and the European Union.

In his remarks, NHRC Senior Human Rights Adviser, Hillary Ogbonna, gave a breakdown of the alarming rise in human rights abuses, including kidnappings, killings and child abandonment.

?By January 2024, we already had 150 kidnappings and 55 killings associated mainly with non-state actors. What has become the norm is the killing of law enforcement officers,? he said.

?We started with seven policemen killed in January. From victims? perspectives, we had quite a number of victims for human rights violations for January.?

The NHRC attributed the rise in kidnapping, killing and child abandonment to the negligence of the state in protecting its citizens.

?In recent years, we have witnessed alarming trends and threats against those who dare to speak the truth to power.

?It serves as a stark reminder that the protection of human rights is an ongoing struggle that requires continuous vigilance, action and cooperation from all sectors of the society,? Tony Ojukwu, NHRC Executive Secretary said.

The delegation from the EU reiterated its commitment to support Nigeria in overcoming these challenges. It also urged the Federal Government to work with the armed forces to end this trend.

?The European Union will continue to work around the world through diplomacy,? the Head of EU Delegation, Zissimos Vergos, said. (Channels TV)

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