The Acting Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission, Mrs. Oti Ovrawah, has called on the government and security agencies to ensure effective protection of lives and properties of defenseless Nigeria who have been victims of incessant attacks by suspected herdsmen in the country.
Ovrawah made the call in Abuja while reacting to the recent report of the attacks by suspected herdsmen which led to loss of lives and properties in Southern Kaduna, Kaduna state as well as similar reports in different parts of the country. She noted that the government and the security agencies must act fast to put a stop to these callous acts.
The NHRC boss also called on security agencies to be more proactive, professional and more committed in the discharge of their duties in containing persistent attacks by herdsmen, adding that there is an urgent need to prioritize preventive measures to curtail these attacks.
Mrs. Ovrawah further stated that the commission, having received some complaints on alleged attacks by herdsmen, was partnering with other stakeholders to work out amicable solution to these avoidable attacks.
She noted with regret that the incessant attacks led to thousands of deaths accompanied by countless cases of displacement and further advised communities to embrace the age long beneficial relationship of peaceful coexistence and to desist from taking arms against themselves.
While observing that conflicts were usually fueled by human rights abuses, she noted addressing those abuses requires an inevitable process of peace building.
