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NHRC Advocates Better Protection for Refugees
NHRC Advocates Better Protection for Refugees
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the government and other duty bearers to redouble their efforts in protecting and supporting refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, stateless persons and internally displaced persons in order for them to rebuild their lives in dignity.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, who stated this in Abuja on the commemoration of 2024 World Refugees Day, which is marked every 20th of June, noted that refugees and other persons living in similar conditions deserve to be protected bearing in mind that they are usually not the architects of their plights but victims of circumstances like insurgency, natural disasters, harsh economic conditions and human rights violations.
He noted that the 2024 theme of the celebration, “Solidity with Refugees”, is a reminder to the fact that everyone needs a home where basic needs for survival are met, not just a hostile environment which exposes one to different forms of human rights violations.
According to him, it is imperative to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their homes or country against their wish due to conflicts or persecution, adding that it is necessary to map out solutions to resettle and help them to have a better livelihood.
He further stated that Nigeria has its fair share of this population of concern arising from communal clashes, banditry, farmers and herders’ clashes, Boko Haram, among others.
He noted that these have affected their rights to health care, education, employment, dignity of the human person, right to housing, land and property, among others.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR), World Refugee Day is a time to shine a light on the rights, dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize the political will and resources to enable the refugees to enjoy a new lease of life.
As at May 2024, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) gave Nigerian statistics figures of refugees as 71,728, with refugee returnees at 27,725 which indicates that the Nigerian government needs to focus their attention on the plight of refugees to bring the numbers of refugees to the barest minimum.
Ojukwu also used the occasion to reaffirm the Commission’s steadfastness in advocating for the rights of refugees and called on government and stakeholders to do more in the protection of refugees and ensure that they are safely returned to their communities as enshrined in the Refugee Convention and Human Rights Treaties.
NHRC Advocates Better Protection for Refugees
Troops Discover Illegal Oil Bunkering Site in Rivers State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS), have uncovered an illegal oil bunkering site in Abessa Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Security sources said the discovery was made at about 10:00 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 103 Battalion (Mechanised) during an anti-illegal bunkering operation.
At the site, troops reportedly found four small drum ovens, 50 sacks containing crude oil estimated at about 3,000 litres, and two waste pits used for illegal refining activities.
The sources said the recovered items were handled in accordance with Operation DELTA SAFE directives.
Authorities added that operations to dismantle illegal refining camps and disrupt crude oil theft networks in the Niger Delta region are ongoing.
Troops Discover Illegal Oil Bunkering Site in Rivers State
Residents Repel Bandit Attack in Sokoto, Neutralise One Assailant
By: Zagazola Makama
Residents of Achida community in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State have successfully repelled a bandit attack, in what has been described as a rare display of coordinated community self-defence.
Security and local sources said the incident occurred when armed bandits stormed the community, but were met with stiff resistance from residents and local vigilante groups who mobilised quickly to confront the attackers.
The villagers reportedly engaged the assailants directly, forcing them to retreat after a brief confrontation.
During the encounter, one of the suspected bandits was neutralised by the community defence group, while others fled with possible injuries.
The sources commended the courage and unity of the residents, particularly the vigilante members, for their swift response in defending their community against the attack.
Security authorities are expected to continue patrols and follow-up operations in the area to prevent further incidents and track fleeing suspects.
Residents Repel Bandit Attack in Sokoto, Neutralise One Assailant
COAS Commissions Health Centre in Imo Under Intervention Project
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. W. Shaibu, has commissioned the Umuhu-Okabia Health Centre in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State as part of the Nigerian Army Intervention Projects.
The COAS was represented at the event on April 22 by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA, Maj.-Gen. O.A. Fadairo.
Security sources said the commissioning ceremony was well attended by dignitaries, including the representative of the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Maj.-Gen. V.D. Beryo, and the Chief Host, Maj.-Gen. K.O. Ukandu, alongside royal fathers and other invited guests.
The newly commissioned health facility is part of the Nigerian Army’s civil-military cooperation initiatives aimed at improving access to basic healthcare services in local communities.
COAS Commissions Health Centre in Imo Under Intervention Project
Troops Discover Illegal Oil Bunkering Site in Rivers State
Residents Repel Bandit Attack in Sokoto, Neutralise One Assailant
COAS Commissions Health Centre in Imo Under Intervention Project
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