The Kaduna State office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has disclosed that it received a total of 268 cases of human rights abuses in the first quarter of 2024.
Mr Terngu Gwar, the state coordinator, revealed this on Thursday, stating that out of the cases, 20 have been concluded, while 248 are still undergoing various stages of intervention.
Among the reported cases, Gwar highlighted that the majority were related to domestic violence, forced marriage, parental issues, unlawful arrests and detention, as well as matters concerning entitlements and inheritance.
“Out of the cases, 40 are related to domestic violence, 39 on abandonment of wives and family, while the remaining pertain to rape, trafficking, custody and access to children, and forced marriage,” Gwar stated.
He emphasized that the NHRC has been actively involved in mediating disputes between couples and families, with some cases referred to court after a thorough investigation.
Gwar noted that relevant institutions such as the police, Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Army, and Civil Defence are involved in resolving these cases.
The coordinator reiterated the commission’s commitment to protecting, promoting, and enforcing the fundamental human rights of citizens.
He encouraged individuals whose rights have been violated to report cases to their office for appropriate action, assuring that all pending cases will be handled appropriately and promptly.
Gwar also called on the Kaduna state government to create a more enabling environment, enforce existing laws, and implement additional policies and legal frameworks to address human rights abuses.
Additionally, he urged other stakeholders to increase efforts to ensure the security of the girl-child, women, and children at home, schools, and workplaces.
