The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has reacted in condemnation to a recent incident in Ihwakar Kumekor Dam, Konshisha L.G.A. of Benue, where a 70-year-old man was buried alive.
Mr Omini Oden, head of Corporate Communications of the centre in Abuja, revealed this in a statement.
Dr Emem Omokaro, the Director-General of the NSCC, said the act was reportedly carried out by some suspected youths in the Mbatue Ward of the Council Area. He also described the act as abominable, and a height of human rights violation that must come with consequences.
However, the DG commended the Nigeria Police and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) for their prompt intervention, thus arresting the suspects.
She therefore assured Nigerians that the NSCC would continue to protect and defend the rights and privileges of older persons in harmony with its mandate.
She said, “The National Senior Citizens Centre Anti Elder Abuse Community Response Mechanism, is working in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission, the Legal Aids Council of Nigeria and NAPTIP, to stem the abuse and violence against older persons, as well as provide access to justice.” She also begged the public to immediately contact NAPTIP using the following toll-free lines to report cases of abuse or violence against the elderly in Nigeria: 07030000203, 080-CALLNAPTIP and for MTN 627 and *627#.
