The Kano State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Shehu Abdullahi, has identified drug abuse, forced marriages, domestic conflicts and the activities of violent youth gangs as the leading factors driving the increasing cases of extrajudicial killings in Kano State.
Abdullahi disclosed this while reviewing the human rights situation in the state, expressing concern that unlawful killings are no longer confined to encounters involving security agencies but are increasingly occurring within communities, families and households.
According to him, incidents of violence leading to loss of life have become more common in homes, particularly cases involving spouses and intimate partners. He noted that forced marriages and unresolved marital disputes often create tensions that can escalate into fatal violence.
The NHRC coordinator explained that some young women are compelled into marriages against their wishes, a situation that breeds resentment and prolonged conflict capable of resulting in tragic outcomes if not addressed by parents, community leaders and other stakeholders.
He also raised alarm over the growing activities of youth gangs, popularly known as “Daba,” describing them as a major security challenge in several parts of Kano State.
Abdullahi linked the rise in gang-related violence to widespread drug abuse among young people, noting that many gang members engage in attacks, theft and other criminal activities to sustain their addiction.
He stressed that the commission has handled several complaints involving spousal killings and other violent crimes, underscoring the need for proactive measures aimed at tackling the root causes of violence across communities.
Providing an overview of complaints received by the commission, Abdullahi disclosed that the Kano State office recorded a total of 507 complaints across various thematic areas during the review period.
He revealed that child rights violations accounted for the highest number of cases, with 269 complaints, which he described as a reflection of the growing social and economic challenges affecting families in the state.
The commission also documented 39 cases of domestic violence involving both women and men, while 34 complaints related to economic, social and cultural rights violations.
Abdullahi further stated that 12 complaints were linked to violations of the right to life, while 10 complaints involved allegations against state actors. Labour rights, entitlement disputes and other related matters accounted for 88 complaints.
According to him, poverty remains one of the major drivers of child rights abuses, as many parents struggle to provide basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare and education for their children.
He added that rising divorce rates, family neglect and the gradual erosion of traditional communal values have compounded the challenges, leaving many children vulnerable to abuse, abandonment and other forms of rights violations.
To address the situation, Abdullahi said the commission has intensified public awareness campaigns on human rights issues across the state. He noted that security personnel, civil society organisations and community-based groups have been trained on human rights principles and reporting procedures.
The NHRC coordinator further disclosed that the commission has expanded access to its services through digital platforms, enabling residents, including those in remote communities, to report cases of human rights abuses for prompt intervention and referral to appropriate authorities.
Radio Nigeria