
Benue and Borno Top List of States With Highest Displacement Rates
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised alarm over Nigeria’s growing internal displacement crisis, revealing that Benue and Borno states experienced the highest rates of forced migration between February and April 2025 .
Chief Tony Ojukwu (SAN), Executive Secretary of the NHRC, made this known during the launch of Nigeria’s first Human Rights Internal Displacement Dashboard in Abuja.
“This is not just about data—it’s about the lived realities of Nigerians who feel unprotected, unheard, and left behind.”
He warned against the increasing normalization of suffering among displaced communities.
Rising Numbers of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
According to the dashboard:
- 44,295 people were displaced in April alone
- This involved 5,953 households and affected over 20,000 children
- The main causes include armed conflict, sexual violence, and natural disasters like flooding
One major incident highlighted was the devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State , which some compared to the deadly 1996 flood that claimed over 200 lives.
Ojukwu stressed the need for better disaster preparedness:
“These events underscore the urgent need for coordinated response mechanisms.”
Alarming Rate of Human Rights Violations
The NHRC also reported a sharp rise in human rights complaints across the country:
- Over 1,460 complaints from displaced persons were recorded in early 2025
- In May alone , the Commission received 275,256 complaints
- The Northwest region had the highest share at 81,495 cases
Ojukwu expressed concern over how society seems to be becoming numb to these crises.
“We must stop treating human suffering as routine and start demanding accountability.”
New Dashboard Aims To Track and Respond
In collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) , the NHRC launched a real-time tracking tool—the Human Rights Internal Displacement Dashboard —to monitor:
- Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
- Refugees
- Asylum seekers
- Returnees
The dashboard will also highlight ongoing human rights violations , helping policymakers and humanitarian agencies respond more effectively.
“This tool gives us visibility,” Ojukwu said.
“Now we can track movements, identify hotspots, and push for timely intervention.”
Partnership For Disability Inclusion Announced
During the event, the NHRC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Human Rights Commission and Ability Life Initiative , aimed at improving the rights and inclusion of over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities .
“This partnership is about active inclusion,” he said.
“Persons with disabilities must be fully integrated into our nation’s social and economic life.”
Despite existing laws protecting their rights, many Nigerians with disabilities still face systemic exclusion and limited access to basic services.
Call to Action: Support Accountability and Protection
What do you think about the rising displacement numbers in Nigeria? Should the government act faster to protect vulnerable populations?
💬 Leave a comment below and join the conversation on how Nigeria can better protect internally displaced persons and uphold human rights.
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