The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently refer the ongoing violence and unlawful killings in Benue State to the International Criminal Court (ICC). This action seeks to ensure accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in the region.
In a letter dated June 21, SERAP emphasized the government’s primary responsibility to provide justice and reparations for the victims of these grave crimes. Professor James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv, has described the situation in Benue as a “calculated, well-planned genocidal invasion” by herder terrorists and bandits, worsening annually.
SERAP noted that referring the Benue situation to the ICC would align with President Tinubu’s commitment to bringing attackers to justice and restoring peace in the state. The organization highlighted the urgent need for accountability, regardless of whether the perpetrators are state or non-state actors.
The letter stressed that without such a referral, perpetrators may continue their violent actions with impunity. It pointed out that the ICC has jurisdiction over individuals who may be immune from national prosecution, including high-ranking political and military leaders complicit in human rights abuses.
Furthermore, SERAP reminded the President that Nigeria, as a state party to the Rome Statute, can refer situations to the ICC without evidentiary burdens, thus facilitating immediate investigations into the serious violations occurring in Benue.
The organization urged for action within seven days, warning that failure to do so may lead them to seek support from other states parties to the Rome Statute for a referral. They emphasized that accountability is crucial for restoring security and human rights protections for Nigerians in the state.
Recent attacks in Benue have reportedly resulted in at least 100 deaths, with thousands displaced and many families suffering tremendous losses. SERAP’s call for action highlights the urgent need for the Nigerian government to address these ongoing human rights violations effectively.
