The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has decried the alleged bombing of over 40 herdsmen in Doma local government area of Nasarawa state, saying the incident is highly regrettable.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, stated this in Abuja, while reacting to media reports on the alleged erroneous bombing of civilians, including herdsmen by the Nigerian Air Force.
According to the press statement signed by the Deputy Director Public Affairs NHRC Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the commission called for urgent action by the government by way of compensating the victims and holding erring officers accountable in order to forestall further occurrence.
He said it is quite unfortunate that the lives of these citizens were cut short in such sad manner.
“The Commission is seriously worried about the incident as Nigeria cannot afford such costly mistakes that usually take the lives of many innocent civilians, because it adds to the number of extra judicial killings in the country,” the learned silk added.
Speaking further, the NHRC boss said, “While we urge the federal government and the Nigerian military to ensure justice and compensation to the families of the victims , the NHRC will in line with its mandate, monitor the development and seek the protection of the rights of victims as well as payment of compensations for the lives and properties lost as a result of the unfortunate incident.”
Ojukwu also appealed to the affected communities, particularly in Nasarawa state where the regrettable bombing took place, to remain calm and peaceful and not to take the laws into their hands to avoid further escalation of the crisis.