The National Human Rights Commission says it has received a total of 371,622 complaints of human rights violations in September, with the North-Central geopolitical zone leading the list.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, said this on Monday in Abuja at the presentation of the 2025 September Dashboard report.
Ojukwu explained that every month this platform allows an honest look at the state of human rights in Nigeria.
“Not merely as figures or trends, but as reflections of lost lives and shirked liberties.
“In September, the commission received a total of 371,622 complaints on human rights violations from across our state offices.
“These complaints cover violations such as denial of access to justice, unlawful arrest and detention, domestic and sexual violence, torture, and discrimination, among others.
“As always, our offices across the country have worked diligently to investigate, mediate, and where necessary, refer cases for further action,” he said.
He said the observatory provided a broader view of emerging patterns of abuse nationwide.
The September observatory reveals persistent and evolving threats to human rights across all six geo-political zones.
On the issue of talks on religious genocide, Ojukwu said, “We are ready to lead in this conversation and we call on government, non-state actors, and international development partners to join us in this regard.”
Ojukwu used the opportunity to thank their state offices, partners, civil society allies, and media, among others.
He further extended appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for their support through the Tripartite Partnership Programme.
Presenting the dashboard and observatory reports, Mr Hilary Ogbonna, senior human rights adviser and project coordinator, said the North-Central recorded 153,967 of the 371,622 complaints received in September.
The North-West followed with 73,167; North-East, 69,973; South-East, 46,409; South-South, 14,144; and the least, South-West, 13,962.
He lamented violations of children’s rights, such as child abandonment and child labour.
He lamented complaints of 336 killings, 361 kidnappings, and 144 deaths by accident.
He also drew attention to a new terror group in Nasarawa State called Wulowulo, which should be checked or it will degenerate into a bigger threat.
Ogbonna highlighted the increase in religious genocide, particularly the killings in the two northern zones.
“If people cannot exercise their right to practice religion peacefully and in dignity, then we are losing the most important fabric of our lives,” he said.
According to him, the commission completed investigations in 6,819 complaints and visited police stations, correctional centres, and detention places 144 times.
The commission issued 79 summons and letters to Nigerian police and visited military formations three times during the period under review.
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