From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
As the World marked Human Rights Day, Rima Deck and Aqua Kanata has lamented that abuses such as mob justice, witchcraft persecution, attacks on innocent people, violence against women, and other violations continue to harm vulnerable groups in Nigeria particularly the Benue valley.
Dooyum Dominic Ingye, Second Mate of Rima Deck, made the lamentation in Makurdi at an event held at Father’s Moustache to mark World Human Rights Day on Tuesday.
The event was organized within the framework of the NAS Citizen Summit, a gathering where national issues affecting Nigerians are discussed.
Dooyum explained that this year’s Summit focused on the theme ‘Protecting Vulnerable Communities in the Benue Valley’, stressing that the decision to mark Human Rights Day was intentional, aimed at highlighting the ongoing human rights challenges in the Benue region.
He emphasized the importance of public awareness and the role of civil society in addressing these issues, adding that students, political scientists, lawyers, and representatives of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) were invited to discuss solutions and provide practical guidance on protecting communities.
NHRC Representative, Jinge Desmond Esq., highlighted the mandate and responsibilities of the Commission, explaining that the NHRC works to protect citizens’ rights, investigates complaints of abuse, and follows up on cases of injustice.
He said in Benue State, the Commission handled issues including mob justice, gender-based violence, unlawful detention, and communal conflict, stressing the dangers faced by vulnerable groups, especially women, children, the elderly, and individuals accused of witchcraft, and encouraged the public to know their rights and report violations.
During the panel discussion, Oko Emmanuel, a political scientist and teacher, provided an analytical perspective on how governance and political structures affect human rights protection.
He explained that weak institutions, low accountability, and limited public trust often create conditions for abuses like mob justice and gender-based violence, urging for stronger citizen engagement, better institutional oversight, and collaboration between government and civil society.
Awashima Addingi Esq., representing the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and Ministry of Justice highlighted the challenges faced by women in Benue communities.
She discussed gender-based violence, domestic abuse, discrimination, and witchcraft-related accusations while also sharing available legal protections, support systems, and advocacy programs for women and stressed the need for awareness, early reporting, and community support for survivors.
Mike Gbahabo Esq., Rima Deck’s Balance Mate, explained talked on Nigeria’s legal framework for human rights protection, citing constitutional provisions, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, the Child Rights Act, and other relevant criminal and penal laws.
He outlined accountability mechanisms through the police, NHRC, and civil courts, explained legal consequences for perpetrators, and offered guidance on documenting and reporting incidents safely.
After a robust question-and-answer session, students actively contributed, and one of the victims, Monica, shared her experience.
She explained that in her last two residences, her landlords violated her tenancy rights and evicted her but through intervention by the NHRC, her rights were restored both times, demonstrating the importance of institutional support in protecting citizens.
The event concluded successfully, attended by representatives from the NHRC, Ministry of Justice, FIDA, Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), International Federation of Women Lawyers, students, and seadogs. The discussions emphasized the urgent need to protect vulnerable communities in the Benue Valley and reinforced the role of institutions and civil society in promoting justice and human rights.
