Civil Society Organizations Demand Justice for Mass Atrocities on National Day of Mourning
By Gloria Sarauniya Usman
ABUJA, NIGERIA May 31, 2024 -
On the 7th National Day of Mourning for Victims of Mass Atrocities, civil society organizations have called on the government to fulfill its constitutional duty to ensure the security and well-being of all Nigerians, account for the missing and the dead, and ensure justice for mass atrocities.
According to records, at least 4416 people were killed and 4334 abducted in incidents of mass atrocities across the country since May 28th, 2023. The frequency of these atrocities has kept Nigerians in a state of perpetual fear and uncertainty, impacting social cohesion, the economy, public health, and education.
The North Central region has been the most affected, with at least 1600 lives claimed in terror pillages, communal clashes, and herdsmen attacks. The North West and North East regions have also been severely affected, with at least 1136 and 904 fatalities, respectively.
The Southeast recorded the highest number of killings in the southern part of the country, with at least 344 people killed, while the South South and Southwest regions also experienced significant violence.
The civil society organizations have demanded that the government:
- Fulfill its constitutional obligations to ensure the security and well-being of Nigerians
- Address socioeconomic inequities exacerbating violent crimes
- Provide quality education, infrastructure, and opportunities for the marginalized
- Act humanely towards internally displaced persons and affected communities
- Improve the welfare of security personnel
- Disincentivize ransom payments by tracking financial flows
- Investigate, arrest, and prosecute perpetrators of violent crimes
The organizations have pledged to continue amplifying citizens' voices and demanding accountability from the government. Over eighty civil society organizations have signed the press statement.
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