NHRC Hails Ibadan Pupils’ Rescue, Demands Nationwide Offensive To Free Kidnap Victims

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commended security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted Oriire pupils in Ibadan, Oyo State, but insisted that the operation must mark the beginning of a sustained nationwide effort to free hundreds of Nigerians still being held by kidnappers across the country.

The Commission warned against treating the rescue as an isolated success, urging the Federal Government and security agencies to deploy the same urgency, intelligence, resources and coordination to secure the freedom of all citizens still in captivity.

Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, said while the rescue has brought relief to the affected families, many other Nigerians remain in the hands of abductors, with their families living in fear and uncertainty.

“Every life matters. The joy of one family reunited must become the standard for every family still waiting in anguish,” Ojukwu said.

“While we commend this rescue, we are reminded that hundreds of Nigerians are still missing, still suffering, and still hoping. The State has a duty to protect the right to life and personal liberty of every citizen under Sections 33 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution.”

The Chief Human Rights Officer described the growing wave of kidnappings involving schoolchildren, travellers and community members as grave violations of fundamental human rights, warning that the trend continues to spread fear and insecurity across the country.

He called on the federal government, security agencies and state governments to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve inter-agency collaboration and prioritise victim-centred rescue operations to ensure that no Nigerian remains abandoned in captivity.

According to him, “Rescuing one is commendable. Rescuing all is the mandate. No Nigerian should be left behind in captivity.”

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion and protection of the rights of everyone living in Nigeria and urged the government to take more decisive measures to end insecurity in all its forms and guarantee the safety of citizens nationwide.