The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged for stringent legislation to ban cultism in the country’s educational institutions, while ensuring that students’ rights to form societies promoting human rights and intellectual diversity are upheld.

This call was made on Friday in Abuja by Hillary Ogbona, Senior Special Assistant to the NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, during the presentation of the monthly human rights dashboard on abuses for April.

Highlighting cultism as a major issue, Ogbona stated that over 20 cultism-related deaths were recorded in three states during the month. He emphasized that cultism, particularly in higher institutions of learning, has long been a menace, leading to violence, intimidation, criminal behavior, and other illegal activities that threaten peace, security, and fundamental human rights.

The NHRC affirmed its commitment to addressing this issue while safeguarding human rights, particularly the right to life and security, which are jeopardized by cult-related violence. Ogbona lamented the loss of innocent lives, shattered families, and devastated communities due to cult activities, stressing the need for decisive action.

According to the dashboard, April saw a total of 2,011 killings, with bandits accounting for 82 deaths and 99 cases of kidnapping recorded, predominantly in the North-West region. Additionally, 13 security and law enforcement agents lost their lives during the month.

Ogbona urged all levels of government to fulfill their responsibility in protecting citizens’ lives and properties, emphasizing the erosion of trust and the disruption of peace caused by cult-related violence. He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure safety in schools and communities.

Tony Ojukwu SAN, the NHRC boss, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to providing accessible information on human rights and collaborating with stakeholders to promote, protect, and enforce human rights in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of the dashboard in monitoring the government’s compliance with human rights obligations at national and international levels.

The NHRC’s call for legislation to combat cultism reflects a concerted effort to address a longstanding challenge, aiming to create safer and more conducive learning environments for students while upholding their rights and dignity.