Abuja, Nigeria – September 2025

IHRC Rescue Mission Unmasks Shocking Human Trafficking Plot

A teenage girl trafficked from Benue State to Imo State under the guise of employment was dramatically rescued following the swift intervention of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) Nigeria.

According to initial reports, the victim was deceived with promises of legitimate restaurant work but was forced into prostitution upon arrival in Imo State.

Operation by Special Monitoring Mission

The rescue was executed by the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission (SMM), led by Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, and sanctioned by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Head of Diplomatic Mission. The mission followed a tip-off from a vigilant citizen.

When the IHRC team stormed the hotspot, the traffickers fled the premises, highlighting the clandestine nature of the operation. The girl was safely removed and reunited with her family in Benue State.

IHRC Leaders Speak Out

“This is not an isolated case. Human trafficking thrives in the shadows, and we must act swiftly and decisively. Protecting women and children remains our top priority,”
– Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, National Coordinator.

“We cannot allow traffickers to feel untouchable. Combating this crime is a shared duty. Citizens must stay vigilant and report suspicious activities,”
– Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Head of Diplomatic Mission.

Next Steps: Nationwide Mobilisation

IHRC has engaged law enforcement to track and dismantle the trafficking network. In addition, IHRC Nigeria will convene a Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting in Abuja, bringing together the Police, NAPTIP, Civil Defence, National Orientation Agency and other key actors to strengthen partnerships, enhance intelligence sharing, and implement preventive measures.

A Global Alarm

Human trafficking remains one of Nigeria’s gravest challenges, with countless young girls exposed to deception, forced labour, and sexual exploitation. Rights groups emphasise the urgent need for stronger law enforcement, awareness campaigns, and victim rehabilitation.

This intervention gave one girl a chance to rebuild her life – but it also sends a clear message: IHRC will not relent until every trafficking chain is broken.

Author / Reporter:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head of Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

The post 🚨 IHRC Bursts Human Trafficking Ring in Nigeria – Teenage Girl Rescued from Prostitution Trap first appeared on ihrc.news.

Transforming Lives through Compassionate Service and Strategic Partnerships

Obowo LGA, Imo State, Nigeria – July 2025

Solidarity and Service at the Grassroots Level

In a remarkable demonstration of compassion and solidarity, the International Human Rights Commission – Special Monitoring Mission (IHRC-SMM), Imo State Chapter orchestrated a comprehensive outreach initiative in the Alike community, Obowo Local Government Area. This event, forming part of IHRC’s nationwide community service rollout, underscored the organisation’s enduring commitment to human dignity, social inclusion, and the advancement of vulnerable populations across Nigeria.

Multi-Dimensional Humanitarian Outreach

The initiative featured an integrated approach, providing:

• Medical Assistance: Payment of hospital bills for indigent patients at Marvelous God Hospital and Maternity, ensuring their prompt discharge and well-being.
• Food Empowerment: Distribution of essential food items—bags of rice and cartons of noodles—to every patient and over 200 local residents.
• Humanitarian Recognition: Presentation of the Humanitarian Service Award to Rev. Fr. John Damian Adizie, Director of Works at Divine Mercy Humanitarian Foundation, for his outstanding humanitarian service.

“Rev. Fr. John Damian Adizie stands as a beacon of hope in humanitarian circles. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable inspires us all. IHRC remains resolute in advancing human dignity and grassroots empowerment, both in Nigeria and globally.”
– H.E. Ambassador Duru Hezekiah, Head of Diplomatic Mission and Ambassador-at-Large, IHRC

Dignitaries and Community Leadership

The outreach witnessed the participation of:

• H.E. Ambassador Duru Hezekiah – Head of Diplomatic Mission and Ambassador-at-Large, IHRC
• Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu – National Coordinator, IHRC-SMM Nigeria
• Comrade Philip Ikekwerre – South-East Regional Volunteer Coordinator
• Comrade Chiemezie Ezeani – Imo State Zonal Volunteer Coordinator
• Dr. Ray Emerenini – Former Chairman, Obowo LGA
• Hon. Barr. Obioma Ehirim – Current Chairman, Obowo LGA
• Respected traditional rulers and community leaders

Their presence signified the collective commitment of institutions and local leadership to sustainable humanitarian action.

Partnerships for Impact

Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, National Volunteer Coordinator, stressed the importance of partnerships in addressing systemic challenges:

“Our work demonstrates the strength of collaboration. IHRC is committed to working with local actors to ensure that no community is left behind in the quest for human rights and development.”

IHRC-SMM, together with Divine Mercy Humanitarian Foundation, empowered five local residents and ensured wide-reaching food support, warmly received by the Alike community.

A Model for Community Engagement

This initiative stands as a model for community-based humanitarian engagement and reflects IHRC’s global mandate to protect and promote human rights. The approach, rooted in compassion and inclusivity, exemplifies the transformative impact possible when organisations, leaders, and citizens unite for the common good.

Word of Thanks

Community leaders extended heartfelt gratitude to IHRC for its consistent, selfless service and for bringing tangible relief in challenging times.

Author & Attribution

Reported by
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

The post 🌍 IHRC Empowers Alike Community with Medical Aid and Humanitarian Recognition first appeared on ihrc.news.

The epoch event with the sub-topic “Justice and Human Rights: A Panacea for Peace in Imo State took place at Rock-View Hotel Owerri and was well attended by various human rights stakeholders such as the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Imo State Commissioner of Police, Director of Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), Nigeria Security Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).

Others include the National Orientation Agency (NOA), National Human Rights Commission (NHR), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Student Union Government (SUG) Imo State University, Religious and Traditional Heads, Civil Society Organizations and the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ).

In an opening remark by the National Coordinator of the IHRC’s Special Monitoring Mission, Engr. Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, conveyed the anecdote of the Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, commending the Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma and other stakeholders who are working to ensure all people have access to justice processes in Imo State.

He said international standards recognize access to justice as both a basic human right and a means to protect other universally recognized human rights, thereby urging participants to actively participate in the discussions, sharing their valuable insights and recommendations.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. COC Akolisa, who was represented by Hon. Chief Val. Mbamalu mentioned that Imo state under Governor Hope’s administration has been upbeat in the affairs of Justice and Human Rights.

Goodwill messages from Dr. Wilcox Idaminabo, Director DSS; the Commissioner of Police ably represented by ACP Kolo David, OC State CID; the State Controller of Corrections Service ably represented by Onyeike Promise; Dr. Mercy Nwosu, Deputy Director/HOD Program at NOA; alongside other stakeholders envisaged collaborative efforts towards building people-centered justice systems, combating crime and corruption, and defending human rights.

Furthermore, Chetachi Success Udeh Esq in her keynote message bemoaned the marginalization and violence against women, attributing the non-domiciled VAPP Act in Imo State to the bedrock of injustice particularly against women and children.

According to her, investing in women and accelerating progress towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all, where women are active participants in decision-making processes, have access to quality education and healthcare, and are free from all forms of discrimination and violence should be an overarching goal of any government.

Meanwhile, discussants during the event also harp on promoting the rule of law through a highly consultative approach to the delivery of independent, professional technical assistance, working with justice sector colleagues, and local stakeholders to develop programs that are responsive to the needs and interests of Imo citizens.

The discussants were Barr. Okoroji Ihunayachukwu, Snr. Legal Officer NHRC; Mrs. Marjorie Ezihe, Executive Director Sisters With A Goal Initiative; Rev. Ishaya Inuwa, Executive Director International Organization for Social Justice; Mr. Chinedu Anyafulu, Principal Intelligence Officer NAPTIP; and Comrade Okwaraji Chidera, SUG President Imo State University.

The occasion also featured a presentation of H.E. Dr. Duru Hezekiah’s book on International Humanitarian Law and Armed Conflicts: An African Perspective to respective stakeholders and a “Community Service Award” to Barr. Ambassador Oluchukwu Ijere, Chetachi Success Udeh Esq, and Mrs. Marjorie Ezihe, in recognition of their selfless services to the defense of human rights.

Reported:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

The post IHRC Marks World Day for International Justice with State Actors in Imo State, Nigeria first appeared on ihrc.news.

While thanking the DVC, for welcoming the team despite his busy schedule, Ezeani emphasized that the International Human Rights Commission IHRC is an Intergovernmental Transnational Organization advancing the rights of people globally all over the world.

“The IHRC has signed a treaty with the INTERPOL, State of the African Diaspora, African Peace and Security Union (APSU), a specialized structure functioning as a continental body encompassing the African continent with a clear mandate to support policies and programs that promote stability, development, and integration of the continent, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding with the Peace and Security Cluster of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC), to mention but few”, he hinted.

Going further, Barr. (Mrs.) Nmachi Njemanze Head of Legal IHRC SMM Imo State, added that the potency of the UDHR is that it has been domesticated in our laws since its creation in 1993 vide the Nigerian Ratification and Enforcement Act giving it more strength and vigor with an international obligation.

She maintained that the focus of the SMM-IHRC in Imo State was to identify human rights abuses and violations prevalent in the State to nip them, as the Central Office partners with related sister agencies, governmental agencies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the United Nations Charter on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is enforced at all levels in the State.

In response, the DVC appreciated the visit by the International Human Rights Commission IHRC SMM Officials and emphasized the importance of training human rights actors/activists to prevent abuses.

He decried the timidity and lack of boldness of some human rights actors in canvassing for the rights of the people, urging the SMM team that it is not about the number of people that volunteer as members but the dynamism, commitment, and dedication of the volunteers to bring about change and fight for the rights of the people.

Reported
Comrade Ezeani Chiemezie
SMM IHRC Imo State.

Editorial:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Editor-in-Chief for the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC
November 24, 2023.

The post Courtesy Call Visit to IMSU DVC, Philip Igbonna first appeared on ihrc.news.

 The little things we fail to do today will become the monsters that hunt us tomorrow, with grave consequences… 

On 13 October 2023, we joined the International community in marking this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, reminding us that disaster risk reduction is a collective effort and such it requires a multi-sectorial approach to address. 

We appeal to government at all levels and other relevant stakeholders to proactively mitigate inequalities caused basically as a result of prolonged negligence, that deepens the inequality gaps, leading to unequal access to services, and creating poverty, economic hardship, displacement of people from their ancestral homes, and the loss of lives, properties and means of livelihood of the vulnerable.

 It is only when these gaps are addressed can there exists equality amongst all people regardless of their political, social, and cultural affiliations, thus building a resilient future for everyone, most especially for generations to come.

Ensuring a resilient future entails breaking the cycle of imminent disasters and growing inequalities to achieve economic growth and development, ease of doing business, social and economic equality, improved standard of living, and reduced cost of living. In achieving this, a collective and multi-sectoral approach is imperative in addressing the connection between disaster and inequality.

To this effect, the Imo state Special Monitoring Mission SMM –IHRC led by Comrd. Ezeani Chiemezie, on Sunday, 15th October 2023, visited a scene of a recently disaster-ravaged Umuchima community in Ideato South Local Government of Imo State to witness firsthand, the economic, social, and cultural impact of a disaster–gully erosion, on the community and its people.

Noting that the gully erosion which became noticeable in 2018-2019 as a default in the construction of the community bridge, subsequently led to the collapse of a section of the bridge. He added that if a Disaster Risk Reduction Approach was taken through minor interventions from stakeholders in the country, it would have averted this ecological disaster ravaging the people of Umuchima and the Ideato Nation. 

Stressing that it has negatively impacted the lives of the people within the community and beyond, thereby denying them access to basic social amenities like access to good healthcare, access to road, water supply, and electricity, deprived means of livelihood, displacement of people, increased cost of living, etc. 

Mrs. Monica Evangelista an indigene of the community in an interview with our correspondent, Miss Marvelene Ekott, Bar. Nmachi Njemaze and Mr. Philip Ikekwere (SMM-IHRC Volunteers) expressed their displeasure over the unfortunate situation, stating that it has brought hardship to the community, denying them accessible roads, good healthcare, equal opportunities to survive, destruction of properties, and has led to the displacement of people. She therefore pleaded with the relevant authorities to come to their help as the untold hardship is affecting their daily lives and activities.

The SMM-IHRC Imo State is therefore calling for a multi-sectoral approach from all relevant actors in the country and beyond to see that attention is been given to the people of Umuchima, and to give them a sense of belonging. While also calling on leaders all around the world to adopt a Disaster Risk Reduction Approach as a means of preventing, averting, and de-escalating all forms of disaster, hence fighting inequality for a resilient future. Because what we do today, we do for generations. 

Reported

Comrd. Ezeani Chiemezie

IHRC SMM, Imo State.

The post Disaster Risk Reduction: IHRC Sues for Proactive Measures for a Resilient Future first appeared on ihrc.news.

September 24, 2023

NGA: The Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission SMM-IHRC in Imo State, joined the rest of the World to mark the 2023 annual International Day of Peace celebration held on 21st September, 2023, at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Imo State Command Headquarters.

As an annual commemoration of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the 2023 theme “Action for Peace: Our Ambition for the Global Goals” focuses on the individual and collective efforts and responsibilities of all to foster peace in our societies regardless of our cultural diversities, economic status, and political affiliations.

While speaking, the SMM–IHRC Official in Imo State, Comrade Ezeani Chiemezie called on all to have a personal reflection on their contribution to promoting peace, reminding everyone that inasmuch peace is the livewire of every society, its other side is conflict. Therefore he implored all stakeholders in the State to put up a conscious effort towards a peaceful society.

This year’s International Day of Peace was well attended by the representatives of the Governor of Imo State Hon. Amb. Peter Ohagwa, Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Peace and Conflict Resolution, the Zonal Commander NSCDC Zone ‘E’, ACG, Aliyu Musa Ndanusa, other sisters security agencies such as the Nigeria Police, Immigration, Nigeria Correctional Services, Federal Road Safety Corps, Fire Service, Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta and other Peace Stakeholders in Imo State.

In a remark by the NSCDC Zone E Zonal Commander, ACG. Aliyu Musa Ndanusa emphasized the need for peace in families, Communities, and society at large, noting that the nation needs peace mostly during this period for any meaningful progress.

This year’s lecture/paper presentation was done by the Director-General Bureau for Peace and Conflict Resolution Imo State cum Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Peace and conflict resolution, Hon. Amb. Peter Ohagwa on the topic “Peace as a Panacea for Socio-economic Development in our Society.

He stated that no economy will thrive in the absence of peace, stressing that peace is essential for any meaningful development in every society, while taking into cognizance the effect of lockdown in the South East geopolitical Zone popularly known as “sit at home” and its negative effect on the socio-economic development of the region, he reminded everyone that peace is everybody’s business.

In the same light, the IHRC Nigeria Head of Diplomatic Mission H.E. Amb. Dr. Duru C. Hezekiah, and the National Volunteers Coordinator, Engr. Elijah Vitus Echendu is calling on all Peace Actors –the Government, Civil Society Organizations, Faith Based Organizations, Private Sectors, Students at all levels, and all Nigerians to support, promote and uphold peace and human rights, and understand that their role to this effect in the society cannot be overemphasized.

Comrade Ezeani reminded the participants that while we are all abreast with the current economic and security reality, we should know that our behavior towards one another is the gateway to a lasting peace which provides us with an atmosphere that supports the actualization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and urging all participants to see it as a duty to put smiles on the faces of others in the discharge of our duties. Because what we do today, we do for generations; born and unborn.

There were goodwill messages from other sister security agencies and peace stakeholders present at the event, promising to work in synergy with one another in peace building and taking action for a peaceful and secure society stating that the security agencies are not in conflict with one another.

They also emphasized the need to inculcate the norms of peace in our lives respect the rights of each other and equally call for cordial relationships between security agencies with civil societies in sharing information, ideas, and capacities.

The Head of Unit PCR Imo State Command, CSC, Nwokorie O.T gave the vote of thanks, charging everyone to continue in spreading the gospel of peace, and equally take actions for a better global goal. She appreciated the representative of the government, the Zonal Commander, other security agencies, peace stakeholders, Partners for peace organizations, and officers who graced this year’s celebration above all, she praised the State Commandant for his unalloyed support in making this year’s celebration a unique one.

Reported
Comrade Ezeani Chiemezie
IHRC SMM Imo State

Editorial
Fidelis Onakpoma
Editor-in-Chief for the International Human Rights Commission

The post Action for Peace: NSCDC, Police, IHRC, Others, Commemorates Int’l Peace Day in Imo State first appeared on ihrc.news.

August 21, 2023
NGA: In commemoration of World Humanitarian Day 2023, the National Volunteers Coordinator (NVC) for the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission ( SMM IHRC) in Nigeria, Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, has disclosed that SMM will be sponsoring 10 young people on computer skills acquisition in Imo State.

He made the statement on Saturday during the flag-off of the Computer Skill Acquisition Program at Imo State, assuring to replicate its kind across Nigeria.

In opening remarks, the NVC Elijah Vitus explained that the initiative was in line with IHRC’s mission to facilitate humanitarian initiatives on a global scale and commemorate 2023 world humanitarian day.

He noted that the beneficiaries have been enrolled with E.V.E. Technology, a renowned Technology Firm in Imo State, and shall be trained in various computer skills such as Powerpoint, MS Word and Excel, Paint, Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop, Digital Printing, and Graphic Designs, for at least 6 consecutive months.

Meanwhile, IHRC SMM Imo State Press Coordinator, Ezeani Chiemezie emphasizing the theme of the world humanitarian day on ‘NoMatterWhat’, charged the beneficiaries in utilizing the opportunity to learn all they can, when they can, because a second opportunity might not present itself.

He further educated them that the right to education is a fundamental human right and for that reason, IHRC SMM Imo State is sponsoring them to be empowered for the digital future and if they successfully graduate, they would be gifted laptops and basic start-ups to ensure that they are self-reliant.

Similarly, another SMM Official Mr. Ikekwere Philip also urged the beneficiaries to take this advantage as a gateway to a sustainable future, encouraging the NVC Elijah not to relent in impacting the desired knowledge on these little ones as they are the future of tomorrow.

In response, Chimaobi on behalf of the beneficiaries thanked the IHRC SMM for the privilege to be part of the program and promised to take the training very seriously.

Reported
Ezeani Chiemezie
IHRC SMM Press Coordinator, Imo State

Editorial
Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Editor-in-Chief.
August 21, 2023

The post World Humanitarian Day: IHRC SMM Flags off Computer Skill Acquisition Program in Imo State first appeared on ihrc.news.

While acknowledging the Delegation from the Head of the Diplomatic Mission for IHRC Nigeria, Governor Uzodimma assured the State’s partnership and cooperation, noting that Imo State is committed to international best practices on human rights promotion and security of the State.

E-signed
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head, Media & Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria.

August 15, 2023.

The post Int’l Human Rights Commission IHRC, Visits Governor Hope Uzodimma.l first appeared on ihrc.news.