The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT Global) has raised serious concern over what it described as alarming figures on kidnapping across Nigeria.
The group insisted that the right to life is sacred and non-negotiable.

In a statement signed by its Country Director, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the organisation cited recent findings by the National Bureau of Statistics indicating that within twelve months, no fewer than 614,937 lives were lost to kidnapping, while ransom payments of over N2 trillion were reportedly made nationwide.

The Commission described the figures as deeply alarming.

He stated that they represent not only a grave security crisis but also a profound moral and constitutional challenge.

“As a human rights organization in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), we reiterate that the right to life is sacred and non-negotiable,” the statement said.

The group referenced Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right to life, and Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.”

It also cited religious teachings, quoting the Holy Qur’an: “Whoever kills a soul… it is as if he had slain mankind entirely” (Qur’an 5:32), and the Holy Bible: “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13).

The Commission called on relevant authorities to act decisively, transparently, and in sincere fear of God.

“The human right group further added that leadership is a trust and that there will be a Day of Judgment when every action and inaction will be accounted for.

The protection of human life must remain the highest priority of governance. History will judge; more importantly, God will judge.”