Nigeria Human Rights Violations

Hundreds Killed by Mobs in Villages in Central Nigeria

The strictly drawn ethnic and religious lines contribute to Nigeria’s poor human rights record. Since termination of military rule in 1999, there have been reports of over 13,500 killings in ethnic or religious clashes in Nigeria. There are scores of incidents involving violence, inter-communal clashes and unlawful killings by security forces members. Jos and Plateau State, in particular, are plagued with such crimes. The perpetrators are living without any fear of prosecution.

Causes of Violence and Human Rights Violations Include Discrimination

One of the major causes of violence is discrimination against non-indigeneous people who are not allowed to apply for government jobs and academic scholarships. The Muslim Hausa ethnic group people are considered as non-indigeneous people in Jos, despite the fact that many have been living there for several generations. 

2010 Riots in Jos

Hundreds of Christians died on March 7^th, 2010, during clashes between the Muslims and Christians ethnic groups, near the city of Joes in central Nigeria. The dead include women and children also. The attack was carried out in the wee hours by men well equipped with arms in primarily Christian villages. Many innocent people were burnt alive.

Human Rights Violations Include Mass Killings

The worst part of these riots is that no one has yet been held accountable for the killings. However, as per statements given by witnesses, these attacks were held by Hausa speaking Muslim men. The attacks are assumed to be carried out in response to killings of 150 Muslim residents on January 19. Witnesses say that the attackers were earlier residents of the same villages that were attacked. The attackers also burnt and destroyed property including homes and cars as reported by journalists and community leaders who paid a visit to the town.

The acting president Goodluck Jonathan has deployed additional troops in Joes. However, they are taking care of the major roads and towns only and not small communities. The Nigerian government cannot continue the overt policies of discrimination against non-indigeneous people and prolong the crisis any further. Proper investigation of the  March 7, 2010 riots should be conducted to prosecute the perpetrators. Police patrolling can be increased to safeguard people against further attacks or reprisal killings.