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File Photo: road accident
The National Human Rights Commission has decried the excessive loss of lives on Nigerian roads while disclosing that about 1,471 deaths were recorded in the first quarter of 2024 as reported by the Federal Road Safety Corps and the National Bureau of Statistics.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), in his presentation at the 8th edition of the Monthly Human Rights Dashboard, in Abuja on Tuesday, noted that it is crucial for the government and FRSC to take immediate and sustainable measures to address this crisis and ensure the safety and welfare of all motorists in Nigeria.
Referencing the #EndBadGovernance and #FearlessInOctober protests, he expressed concerns over the excessive use of force and tear gas by policemen on protesters, noting that such action represents a serious violation of the fundamental human rights of citizens.
According to the September dashboard, 305,300 complaints were received by the commission in September alone.
Ojukwu said this number demonstrates a significant rise in human rights concerns nationwide.
He said, “A major issue we are highlighting today is the tragic loss of lives due to road accidents, which severely undermines the enjoyment of human rights for many families.
“According to the Federal Road Safety Corps and the National Bureau of Statistics, approximately 1,471 individuals have been killed from road crashes in the first quarter of 2024 alone.”
Speaking further, he said, “Today, we will examine data from September, which includes 305,300 complaints received at the Commission. As we explore the data, let us not lose sight of the human stories behind these numbers.
“Each complaint represents a person whose rights and dignity are at stake. We must approach our work with compassion and resolve, ensuring that we are not only identifying issues but also actively seeking solutions for every individual in Nigeria to enjoy the full spectrum of their human rights, free from fear and oppression.”
Ojukwu called on stakeholders, including the media, to continue their role in advocating for the rights of the vulnerable, adding that the data from this dashboard reflects the Commission’s commitment to addressing human rights violations across Nigeria, which serves as a crucial tool for advancing justice and protection for all citizens.
He also acknowledged the support of the United Nations Development Programme and other international partners in promoting accountability and transparency through the Commission’s dashboard.
