The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the implementation of robust legislation aimed at eradicating cultism from educational institutions across Nigeria.
Highlighting the pressing need for laws that effectively outlaw cult activities while upholding students’ rights to form societies promoting human rights and intellectual diversity, the NHRC presented its monthly human rights dashboard for April.
During the presentation, Hillary Ogbona, Senior Special Assistant to NHRC Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu, SAN, underscored cultism as a significant concern, citing over 20 related deaths in three states. Cultism, particularly prevalent in higher education, has long been a menace characterized by violence, criminal behavior, and intimidation, posing substantial threats to peace, security, and human rights enjoyment.
The NHRC reaffirmed its dedication to combating cultism and protecting human rights, stressing the fundamental right to life and security endangered by cult-related violence.
Furthermore, the dashboard unveiled alarming statistics, with 2011 recorded killings in April, attributed to bandits responsible for 82 deaths and 99 kidnapping cases, predominantly in the North-West region.
Calling upon all levels of government to prioritize citizen safety, the NHRC urged security agencies to bolster protection measures and ensure the safety of schools and streets.
NHRC Chairman Tony Ojukwu SAN reiterated the commission’s commitment to disseminating human rights information and collaborating with stakeholders to uphold human rights standards nationwide. He emphasized the dashboard’s pivotal role in monitoring government compliance with human rights obligations.
