The Zamfara State chapter of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday expressed concern over the alarming increase in human rights violations across the state.
Zamfara NHRC Coordinator, Abdullahi Abubakar, disclosed that it has recorded over 120 cases of human rights violations so far in 2024, including issues such as abuse, neglect, and the infringement of fundamental freedoms.
It commemorated the 2024 World Human Rights Day with a rally aimed at highlighting the importance of protecting human rights in the state.
The rally, which started at Freedom Square and concluded at the Emir’s Palace, drawing participants from various sectors, including civil society groups and community leaders.
During the event, Abubakar also called on the state government to start the implementation of relevant laws that were passed by the previous government.
According to him, these laws would strengthen efforts to safeguard citizens’ rights and ensure justice for victims of abuses.
“So far, we are still counting, we received more than 120 cases so far, which is higher than last year which is not good for the state, that is why we have to keep engaging all the relevant stakeholders especially the state government to at least wherever they think they can support,” he said.
“Relevant laws that were passed by the previous government, we want those laws to be operational, we have been advocating for it now but it has not been started, with that things will be better and we will be better when it comes to handling of issues of gender-based violence and issues of human rights violations, displacement, humanitarian assistance and banditry and others.”
The Emir of Gusau, who received the participants at the palace, lauded the initiative and urged communities to uphold values of fairness and equity.
“This is really great efforts by human rights commission, those who are rich should help the poor, we have to respect one another, we are created by the same God. If you find some people suffering, please assist them and I hope this kind of awareness should go round not just remain here,” he stated.
The rally concluded with an appeal to government officials and community leaders to prioritize human rights and foster a culture of respect and accountability in the state.
