Rita Odafe
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has disclosed that in 2024, it documented 339 instances of reported human rights abuses in Gombe State.
During an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe, NHRC spokesperson Mr. Ali Alola-Alfinti provided these details.
Alola-Alfinti noted that a significant number of these incidents involved parental neglect, particularly cases where fathers deserted their families, attributing their actions to financial struggles and poverty.
He mentioned that the rise in reports is partly due to ongoing awareness initiatives combating human rights abuses throughout the state.
To bolster these efforts, the commission collaborates with various stakeholders including civil society organizations, media outlets, religious bodies, and community leaders to raise awareness and empower citizens to report violations.
“More victims are coming forward to report their issues, which is encouraging for our human rights advocacy,” he remarked.
“One of our biggest hurdles is silence; protecting rights will be ineffective without proper reporting of incidents.
“The tally of 339 cases can be attributed to the assistance from relevant partners
“Parental neglect is the most prominent issue, accounting for nearly half of all complaints, where families face abandonment without necessary provisions such as food, clothing, and shelter, contrasting with earlier issues related to fundamental human rights like the right to life and dignity.”
He emphasized the commission’s efforts to enhance outreach programs targeting parental neglect and to educate husbands on their responsibilities to support their families.
“Withholding rights is a legal offense,” he stated, emphasizing that safeguarding these rights is essential for preventing conflicts and promoting a harmonious society.
“Respecting one another’s rights fosters a peaceful community, whereas violations lead to unrest and disorder,” he concluded.
