Press Release
Makurdi, Nigeria – September 19, 2024
Lawyers Alert, a leading human rights organization in Nigeria, has initiated a landmark legal action at the Federal High Court in Makurdi against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Attorney General of the Federation. The lawsuit seeks to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue State, with a specific focus on the government's failure to provide adequate security and facilitate the return of displaced citizens to their ancestral homes.
The case aims to ensure that the fundamental rights of these vulnerable groups are upheld. The lawsuit is grounded in several provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, both of which guarantee the right to life, dignity, personal liberty, and security.
Key Points
1. Government’s Legal Obligations
The lawsuit highlights the legal obligations of the Federal Government of Nigeria to protect the lives and property of its citizens, particularly the IDPs in Benue State. It cites Sections 33(1), 34(1), 35(1), and 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee the rights to life, human dignity, and personal liberty. In addition, Articles 4, 5, 6, 16, 22, and 24 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights mandate that the government must provide security and ensure the best attainable state of physical and mental health for all its citizens, including displaced persons.
2. Violation of Fundamental Rights
Lawyers Alert contends that the government’s failure to provide adequate security in IDP camps and to relocate the displaced persons to their ancestral homes amounts to a gross violation of these constitutional and human rights. The lawsuit underscores the deplorable living conditions in the camps, including overcrowding, lack of sanitation, insufficient security, and exposure to diseases, which have disproportionately affected women and children. Reports of sexual violence and rape in the camps have exacerbated the situation, further eroding the dignity and safety of the displaced persons.
3. Call for Immediate Action
The reliefs sought by Lawyers Alert include a court declaration that the Nigerian government is bound by law to ensure the security of IDPs and return them to their homes. The organization is also seeking an order compelling the government to provide the necessary security, shelter, and other essential amenities to enable the IDPs to resettle and regain their livelihoods. Lawyers Alert emphasizes that the continued displacement of these individuals has not only led to severe mental and physical health issues but has also deprived them of their economic and cultural rights.
4. Economic and Social Impact
The lawsuit draws attention to the severe socio-economic consequences faced by the displaced populations. The IDPs, particularly those from the Tiv ethnic group, are primarily farmers who have been cut off from their land and means of livelihood. The extended stay in IDP camps has also hindered children's education and disrupted the community structure, leading to further hardship for families.
5. Urgency of the Case
The urgency of the case is underscored by recent media reports that highlight the worsening conditions in IDP camps across Benue State. According to reports from Daily Trust and Leadership newspapers, the IDPs, especially children, are facing increasing challenges, including sexual violence and mental health crises, due to prolonged displacement. These reports have been presented as exhibits in court to support the case.
Quotes from Lawyers Alert
“We are calling on the Federal Government to fulfill its constitutional obligation to protect the lives and property of the internally displaced persons in Benue State. These individuals have endured years of insecurity, displacement, and unimaginable hardship. It is time for the government to take action and ensure they are returned safely to their homes with the security and amenities they need to rebuild their lives,” said Bamidele A. Jacobs, Director of the Legal Department at Lawyers Alert.
Next Steps
The case will be heard in the coming months at the Federal High Court in Makurdi. Lawyers Alert is optimistic that the court will grant the reliefs sought and compel the government to take immediate action to resolve the IDP crisis in Benue State.
About Lawyers Alert
Lawyers Alert is a non-partisan, non-profit human rights organization committed to providing free legal services to vulnerable individuals and advocating for the enforcement of fundamental human rights in Nigeria. The organization works to promote the rule of law, ensure access to justice, and protect the rights of marginalized groups, including women, children, and internally displaced persons.
Contact details
Bamidele A. Jacobs, Esq.
Director Legal, Lawyers Alert
Phone:07032666121, 08066600215
Website: www.lawyersalertng.org
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