Democracy Day: NHRC Calls for Enhanced Human Rights Protection

By:Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has joined millions of Nigerians in commemorating the 2025 Democracy Day, a day set aside to honour those who fought for democratic governance in the country.

In a statement to commemorate the day, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, said: “As we mark 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, we reflect on our journey and reaffirm our commitment to justice, equality, peace, and human dignity” .

He said the NHRC has made significant strides in advancing democracy, including mobilizing voters for elections and promoting citizen participation.

According to him, the Commission has also continued to monitor elections to ensure compliance with human rights standards, working tirelessly to promote free, fair, and credible polls.

He added that prior to the 2023 general election, the Commission held townhalls for presidential and gubernatorial candidates, ensuring they mainstream human rights in governance when elected into power. This initiative underscored the Commission’s commitment to holding leaders accountable for human rights protection he emohasized. We intend to continue this trend, engaging with elected officials and aspirants to prioritize human rights in their governance he added.

He further pointed out that “in the NHRC we recognize the intrinsic link between human rights and democracy, where the protection of fundamental rights is essential for sustainable development”. He added, “as we celebrate our democratic achievements, we honor the heroes of democracy who have tirelessly worked towards a Nigeria where governance will be accountable, rights are protected, and every citizen has the opportunity to live in peace and dignity.

“However, we note with concern the rising insecurity and economic hardship threatening the dignity and rights of many Nigerians. The Commission urges government at all levels to prioritize the protection of human rights and human lives, ensure justice for victims, and address the root causes of violence, injustice and economic hardship.

“We remain committed to promoting, protecting, and enforcing human rights across the country. We call on all Nigerians to partner with us in safeguarding democratic ideals that bind us together. Together, we can give real meaning to democracy, ensure hope, justice, and opportunity for all.”

Remembering the heroes of democracy and the justice of June 12 democracy day, the Executive Secretary advised on the justice of recognizing all the heroes of June 12 together, politicians and public servants alike. Such posture of government helps to ensure democracy.

He noted that: “If June 12, 1993 Presidential elections were adjudged as free and fair and the winners of the elections have been recognised, both those alive and posthumously, then there is justice to recognise that the election itself was conducted by human beings and not spirits.

“The arrowheads of the June 12, 1993 presidential election in the National Electoral Commission (NEC) should be recognised and given appropriate national honours and immortalised in public institutions as part of the justice of June 12 and foundation for democracy in Nigeria. Justice delayed is Justice denied.”

Democracy Day: NHRC Calls for Enhanced Human Rights Protection

Truck crushes three schoolgirls to death in Ibadan

By: Zagazola Makama

The Oyo State Police Command on Wednesday confirmed the death of three schoolgirls who were crushed by a truck in Kukumada area of Ibadan, along the new Ibadan/Ife Expressway.

A sources in the command told Zagazola Makama that the tragic incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. and involved a Volvo mini Mack truck with registration number FST 449 XV, Lagos, driven by one Ibitoye Ibrahim.

The sources said that the driver lost control of the vehicle and rammed into the three students Akinyemi Mariam, Abike Mojeed, and Mariam Mojeed, all of whom were trekking to school. They were students of Ogungbade Community High School, Ibadan.

The Divisional Traffic Officer, Supol Egbada, led officers to the scene where the lifeless bodies of the victims were found lying in a pool of blood.

“Their remains have been evacuated and deposited at Mercyland Hospital Mortuary, Ibadan, for preservation,” the police sources said.

“The suspect was promptly arrested and is currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to recover the truck to the station. Investigation into the incident is in progress, police said

Truck crushes three schoolgirls to death in Ibadan

Man arrested for allegedly killing mother in Gungul, Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

A man, identified as Torngusha Usuwe, has been arrested in Gungul Village, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State for allegedly killing his mother after hitting her with a stick.

Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 2:30 p.m., when the suspect allegedly struck his mother on the left jaw during a domestic altercation, causing a severe fracture.

The victim, who began bleeding from her mouth and ear, was rushed to Zege Nyion Clinic in Gungul for urgent medical attention but was confirmed dead around 8:00 p.m. the same day.

Following a report by Terwase Usuwe, a relative of the deceased, detectives were immediately deployed to the scene. Photographs were taken, and the body was evacuated and deposited at the Gungul Memory Integrated Morgue for autopsy.

The suspect, Torngusha Usuwe, has been taken into custody, and investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Man arrested for allegedly killing mother in Gungul, Benue