Nowhere Is Safe In Nigeria; Says UN Special Rapporteur, Tells Citizens What To Do Immediately
A member of the United Nations’ Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, has declared that nowhere is safe again in Nigeria with ceaseless killings and kidnappings across the country.
Ezeilo, a Nigerian legal expert and professor of law, who stated this in a statement on Thursday, described the level of insecurity in the country as unacceptable and condemnable.
The founder and Director of Women Aid Collective (WACOL), a non-governmental organisation advocating for the rights of women and young people in Nigeria, called on governments at all levels, especially the federal government to take urgent measures, including tackling underlying causes to bring the situation to an end.
The former UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons explained that the widespread killings, kidnappings and abductions “in peacetime” directly abrogate citizens’ right to life, bodily integrity, dignity, freedom of movement, and ability to earn a living.
Insisting that Nigerians cannot continue to live in perpetual servitude to the criminal gangs, Ezeilo urged Nigerians to reject corruption and lousy governance that has brought misery to the country.
She said, “Nowhere is safe in Nigeria. The widespread killings, kidnappings and abductions ‘in peacetime’ are condemnable and unacceptable. It directly abrogates citizens’ right to life, bodily integrity, dignity, freedom of movement, and ability to earn a living.
“Government at all levels, especially FGN, must take urgent measures, including tackling underlying causes. Undoubtedly, the hydra-headed corruption of public officeholders who continue to loot our commonwealth is a cause and consequence of this unprecedented insecurity.
“Citizens must unite to refuse insecurity, living in perpetual fear and want. Reject corruption and lousy governance. Protection of lives and property is a fundamental duty of government. Enough is enough!”
