The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust, Nigeria Chapter, has raised alarm over the growing wave of banditry and insecurity in the country.
They warned that Nigeria is at a critical point that requires urgent and decisive action.
A statement signed by Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, Country Director of the organisation in Nigeria on Saturday, called on the government to respond with urgency, sincerity and a strong sense of justice.
“We call on the Government of Nigeria to rise with urgency, sincerity, and a strong sense of justice to decisively confront terrorism and banditry in all its forms,” the statement said.
According to the group, the crisis may appear overwhelming, but its roots can be traced to earlier injustices and systemic failures.
The organisation pointed to developments in Zamfara State, where it said the discovery of gold deposits led to the displacement of Fulani pastoralists from their ancestral lands.
“Evidence from affected areas… indicates that the discovery of valuable gold deposits led to the displacement of Fulani pastoral communities,” it stated.
It added that the disruption of livelihoods pushed many into poverty and contributed to crimes such as cattle rustling and banditry.
The IHRC also raised concerns about the role of vigilante groups, noting that while they were formed to provide security, some have worsened the crisis through abuses and extrajudicial actions.
It further alleged misconduct by some security personnel, judicial actors and traditional authorities, saying their actions have, at times, deepened grievances instead of resolving them.
“There are also troubling allegations of misconduct… whose actions have, at times, fueled grievances rather than resolved them,” the statement said.
The group warned of possible collusion between some officials and criminal elements, particularly in forest areas, where financial interests may be sustaining insecurity. It also cited reports of interference that led to the release of arrested suspects, which it said undermines public trust.
According to the organisation, what started as a local problem has now spread to other states including Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna, with similar patterns of land disputes and displacement emerging.
“As a human rights organisation, we strongly emphasize that sustainable peace can only be achieved through fairness, accountability, and a genuine commitment to addressing the root causes of the crisis,” it said.
IHRC called on the federal and state governments to urgently review the drivers of banditry, urging security agencies to act professionally and respect human rights.
It also demanded accountability for anyone found to be supporting insecurity, regardless of their position, and called for immediate steps to protect vulnerable communities and restore their livelihoods.
“Nigeria stands at a critical point. A just and decisive response today will determine the peace and stability of tomorrow,” the statement added.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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