SERAP Urges Tinubu to Report Benue Killings to ICC

Lagos, Nigeria — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently refer the ongoing violence and human rights abuses in Benue State to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

This appeal was contained in an open letter dated June 21, 2025, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare. The organization said such a referral would enable the ICC to assume jurisdiction over grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law committed in Benue.

SERAP argued that despite the scale and seriousness of the crimes, domestic mechanisms have failed to ensure justice and accountability. “A referral to the ICC will demonstrate your commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice and restoring peace,” the letter read.

Highlighting the alleged involvement of both state and non-state actors in the crisis, SERAP stressed that the Nigerian government has a responsibility to ensure redress for victims and to hold those responsible—regardless of status or office—accountable.

Citing Article 14 of the Rome Statute, the group explained that Nigeria, as a state party, is empowered to formally request an ICC investigation. “This step does not require Nigeria to provide evidence but would obligate the ICC prosecutor to assess the situation,” the letter clarified.

SERAP also recommended expanding ICC investigations to include other states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, Taraba, Kebbi, and Borno, where similar patterns of violence and abuse persist.

The group noted that other African nations like Uganda, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have previously referred cases to the ICC and that doing so could strengthen Nigeria’s own justice system.

“A referral would not only offer a pathway to justice but also serve as a deterrent against future atrocities,” SERAP stated, reaffirming its belief that justice and accountability are essential foundations for national peace and stability.

By Makinde oyinkansola| June 22, 2025