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NHRC Advocates Better Protection for Refugees

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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

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Bandits kill hunters’ leader in Benue

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Bandits kill hunters’ leader in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected bandits have killed the leader of hunters in Tine Nune community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue.

Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, happened while the victim, identified as Hilenen Terzungwe, was on patrol with five others along Biriji village.

Terzungwe sustained severe machete cuts during the attack and was rushed to a medical facility in Tine Nune, where he later died while receiving treatment.

His remains have since been deposited at the General Hospital, Zaki-Biam.

Security has been strengthened in the area to forestall further attacks, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue

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Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces have intensified patrols and peace-building efforts in Anyiatse village, Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue, following the killing of a Fulani herdsman by suspected youths of the community.

Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, has heightened fears of a reprisal attack by Fulani groups in the area.

Sources said the herdsman was attacked and killed in the bush, sparking tension among residents and neighbouring communities.

In response, security personnel were deployed to the area to forestall further violence, while traditional rulers and stakeholders have been engaged in dialogue to restore calm.

The measures, according to local authorities, are aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order as investigations into the killing continue
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Gunmen kill five, burn houses in Mangu LGA, Plateau

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Gunmen kill five, burn houses in Mangu LGA, Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias have killed five persons and burnt 10 houses in Tim village, Chakfem District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau.

Zagazola Makama report that the attack, which occurred on Tuesday at about 4 p.m., saw the assailants storm the community, shooting sporadically before setting thatched houses ablaze.

Local sources said the victims’ corpses had been evacuated for burial, while the injured were receiving treatment in nearby health facilities.

Community members disclosed that the assault might have been carried out in retaliation for cattle allegedly rustled in the area.

Troops of the Special Task Force (STF) were deployed to the scene and engaged the attackers in a firefight, forcing them to flee, with some believed to have sustained bullet wounds.

Residents said calm had returned to the area on Wednesday, though the village remains tense as investigations continue and efforts are being made to apprehend those behind the attack.
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