The Justice Development, Peace and Caritas Initiatives (JDPCI) in Uromi has expressed concern over increasing cases of human rights abuses in Edo Central Senatorial District, disclosing that more than 300 incidents were recorded across communities in the past year.
The Executive Director of Uromi JDPCI, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Fidelis Arhedo, made this known while delivering a keynote address at the Annual Stakeholders’ Conference on Inclusive Human Rights Defence Mechanism in Communities, held in Egbele, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Speaking on the theme, “Defending Human Rights at the Grassroots: The Power of Community-Based Legal Action,” Arhedo emphasised the need for stronger dedication to safeguarding human dignity, as well as promoting justice, peace, and inclusive human development.
He pointed out that rights violations occur frequently within communities and called for increased collaboration among stakeholders to address the issue.
According to him, community-based human rights structures handled over 300 cases, including 87 incidents of domestic violence, 58 cases of neglect and abandonment, 28 assault cases, 20 rape cases, and 16 instances of child labour and trafficking.
Other reported violations include denial of education, harmful widowhood practices, and arbitrary detention.
Arhedo also revealed that 74 non-case interventions were carried out through advocacy visits and awareness campaigns, while over 320 support services—such as psychosocial counselling, referrals, and alternative dispute resolution—were provided.
He added that more than 434 cases have been successfully resolved at the community level, noting that this reflects increasing public confidence in grassroots justice systems supported by JDPCI.
The cleric further disclosed that over 2,200 individuals have been trained as human rights advocates, more than 2,300 adolescents engaged through Human Rights Clubs, and about 4,000 women and girls supported in tackling violence and inequality.
However, he noted that worsening economic conditions are increasing vulnerability, while deep-rooted cultural practices and higher reporting rates are putting pressure on response systems.
In a progress report, the Head of Programme, Dr. Michael Iyioribhe, commended traditional rulers and the Nigeria Police for their role in addressing human rights violations across communities.
Also speaking, the Edo State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr. Olumide Dosunmu, represented by Mrs. Laureatta Omorogbe, praised JDPCI’s efforts despite ongoing challenges and called for continued stakeholder support.
He stressed that lack of awareness remains a major factor driving rights violations.
“Many violations persist simply because people do not know their rights. Knowledge is the first line of defence. When people understand their constitutional rights and how to resist violations, they are empowered to seek redress,” he said.
Participants at the conference also emphasised the importance of thorough investigation and effective prosecution of cases to strengthen justice delivery.
