UNBELIEVABLE! Fathers Abandoning Families in Gombe Amid Economic Hardship, NHRC Reports
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised alarm over a troubling trend in Gombe State, where economic hardship and poverty are driving fathers to abandon their wives and children.
According to the NHRC spokesman, Mr. Ali Alola- Alfinti, the commission documented 339 alleged human rights violations in 2024, with over half of these cases linked to parental neglect. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Alola- Alfinti revealed that the majority of complaints involve fathers leaving their families without food, shelter, or basic necessities.
” The abandonment of wives and children is becoming more prevalent, with poverty often cited as the reason. However, this doesn’ t absolve fathers of their legal and moral responsibility to care for their families, ” Alola- Alfinti stated.
He credited the rise in reported cases to the commission’ s sustained public enlightenment campaigns in Gombe. The NHRC collaborates with civil society organizations, media outlets, religious leaders, and community heads to educate residents about human rights violations and encourage victims to come forward.
” We’ re seeing progress as more victims are speaking out. This is a positive step in combating rights violations, but silence remains a significant challenge, ” he said. ” Rights cannot be protected if violations are not reported. ”
Parental neglect now constitutes 50% of the commission’ s cases, surpassing earlier concerns about violations like inhumane treatment and threats to dignity and life. The NHRC has ramped up its outreach efforts to address this growing issue, emphasizing the legal consequences of neglecting one’ s family.
” Denying a wife and children their rights to food, clothing, and shelter is a punishable offense under Nigerian law, ” Alola- Alfinti stressed.
The commission is also working to prevent these violations by fostering awareness about the importance of family responsibilities. ” We’ re sensitizing husbands to understand that abandoning their families not only violates human rights but also creates social instability, ” he added.
The NHRC warns that neglecting the rights of family members can lead to broader societal consequences. ” Respecting each other’ s rights is essential for peace and harmony. When violations occur, they often provoke retaliation, resulting in conflict and chaos, ” Alola- Alfinti explained.
The alarming trend highlights the urgent need for policies that address poverty and economic challenges in Gombe. While the NHRC continues to champion human rights education and provide support for victims, they emphasize the importance of community collaboration in creating a society where families are protected, and rights are upheld.
As reports of family abandonment rise, the commission remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that no one is left to suffer in silence. The NHRC’ s efforts serve as a beacon of hope for families in Gombe, reminding them that their struggles are seen, heard, and actionable under the law.
