Abuja, Benue record highest child rights violations as October complaints hit 406,000 — NHRC report
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reported that it received 406,088 complaints of human rights violations across Nigeria in October 2025, with Abuja and Benue States recording the highest cases of child rights violations.
Tony Ojukwu, SAN, Executive Secretary of the Commission, disclosed this on Monday during the presentation of the NHRC’s October dashboard and observatory reports in Abuja.
Ojukwu said the data showed a slight decline in killings and kidnappings compared to September, which may indicate the impact of security operations.
According to him, “NHRC continues to receive complaints on arbitrary detention, police misconduct, access to justice, sexual and gender-based violence, and violations of civil liberties,”.
He noted that the Commission’s observatory recorded cases of communal violence, insurgent attacks, and other insecurity-related abuses affecting communities.
Speaking on the U.S. government’s concern over the killing of Christians in Nigeria, Ojukwu said religious extremism remains a major cause of violence but cautioned against foreign interference.
“Conflicts and insurgency have led to the killing of both Christians and Muslims. No life should be lost to conflict or crime.
The government must uphold its constitutional duty to protect lives and property,” he stated.
Ojukwu urged the authorities to use the U.S. concerns as an opportunity to reform counterterrorism and conflict management strategies, emphasising civilian protection and accountability for perpetrators.
“Boko Haram and ISWAP target both Christians and Muslims who reject their ideology.
The real enemy remains Boko Haram, not religion,” he added.
He also expressed concern about attacks on farmers and schools, and appreciated the support of partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the Government of Norway under the Tripartite Partnership Programme (TPP).
Presenting the findings, Hiliary Ogbonna, NHRC’s Senior Human Rights Adviser, said Abuja recorded 983 cases of child rights violations, followed by Benue with 860 complaints.
Ogbonna said the Commission recorded over 10 cases of defilement, completed 5,698 investigations, and conducted 104 visits to police stations, correctional centres, and other detention facilities during the month.
He added that 45 summonses were issued to the Nigerian Police, and nine visits were made to military formations to assess compliance with human rights standards.
“The Commission also noted cases of banishment, violations of the right to peaceful assembly and protest, and mob justice,” Ogbonna said.
Ojukwu commended NHRC staff in the states and the FCT for compiling the data and thanked the media and development partners for their support in promoting human rights in Nigeria.
