The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concern over the rising wave of human rights violations in Nigeria, revealing that it received 326,113 complaints of alleged rights abuses in June 2026 alone.
Speaking while presenting the Commission’s June 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, said the figures reflect the urgent need for stronger action to protect the lives and rights of Nigerians.
According to Ojukwu, the right to life remained the most violated right during the month, with widespread cases of killings, kidnappings, armed violence, child sexual abuse and mass displacement recorded across the country.
“The Commission received a total of 326,113 complaints in June 2026. This figure underscores the ongoing and urgent challenge of securing human rights for all Nigerians,” he said.
He added that the Commission’s Human Rights Observatory also documented numerous cases of violence, including a disturbing rise in sexual abuse involving minors.
“The right to life remained the most frequently violated right, while armed violence continued to dominate. We are equally alarmed by the number of cases involving sexual violence against minors,” Ojukwu stated.
The NHRC also welcomed the proposed establishment of state police, describing it as a positive step toward improving security, but warned that adequate safeguards must be put in place to prevent political interference and human rights abuses.
The Commission further reflected on the Yelewata massacre in Benue State, where over 100 people were killed, lamenting that many survivors are still displaced and calling for justice and accountability for victims of attacks across the country.
Ojukwu urged security agencies to strengthen civilian protection while calling for greater investment in child protection, school safety and psychosocial support for victims of violence.
He also commended civil society groups, humanitarian organisations and the media for their role in promoting accountability and supporting victims.
Source: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
