Global human rights body, the Amnesty International, has raised the alarm over a surge in deadly attacks across parts of northern Nigeria, reporting that at least 71 people have been killed and more than 50 others abducted by terrorists within a week.
In a statement released on Monday, the Amnesty International detailed a disturbing escalation of violence in rural communities, noting that 52 people were killed in Plateau State, 13 in Kebbi, and six in Katsina.
The organisation also stated that over 50 people were abducted in separate attacks in Katsina State.
“Over a week, at least 71 people have been killed: 52 in Plateau, 13 in Kebbi and 6 persons in Katsina.
“Also in Katsina gunmen have abducted over 50 people. The gunmen on rampage of bloodshed are escalating deadly attacks on rural areas where hundreds are being displaced,” the organisation stated.
Amnesty International warned that the ongoing violence was creating a looming humanitarian disaster, as entire communities were being uprooted and livelihoods destroyed.
The group criticised the Nigerian government’s response to the crisis, saying repeated claims of troop deployments and previous military interventions have failed to end the killings or bring perpetrators to justice.
Amnesty International stated, “Repeated claims of the deployment of troops to the affected areas by the Nigerian government have yet to stop the killings. Previous military interventions have also failed to end the killings or bring the actual perpetrators to justice in fair trial.
“In Benue and Plateau states, villagers are always lamenting that they are now feeling helpless and on edge, as they constantly brace themselves for the next attacks. The deadly attacks on rural communities are making life hell for villagers.”
The human rights organisation called for urgent and concrete action to halt the violence and protect affected populations, emphasising the need for justice, accountability, and humanitarian support.
“Ongoing attacks on rural communities are posing the risk of a humanitarian disaster. The attacks have already caused massive displacement and deprived people affected of their livelihoods. The killings must end now,” the statement stressed.
Newsmen had reported that Bandits in a series of violent attacks carried out on April 2 on five communities in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State killed no fewer than 52 people.
The latest attacks came just six days after a similar attack occurred in the Ruwi community of the state during a wake-keeping ceremony, where 10 people were also killed and three others sustained injuries.
The latest violence adds to growing tensions in Plateau State, where over 200 people were killed during Christmas 2023 celebrations in a predominantly Christian village.
Similar incidents, including the May 2024 attack in Wase that claimed about 40 lives and saw numerous homes destroyed, have underscored the region’s fragile security situation.
