The Nigerian arm of global human rights body, Amnesty International Nigeria, says at least 10,217 persons were killed in attacks by armed groups in Benue, Edo, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau Sokoto and Zamfara States in the last two years.
The organisation also said that 672 villages were sacked by bandits in in Benue, Plateau and Katsina States.
Amnesty International said in a statement by its director, Isa Sanusi, that it has been monitoring banditry attacks and clashes by herders and farmers since 2016, warning of a looming humanitarian crisis while calling on the government to take necessary steps to curb the disaster.
Amnesty said failure of the authorities to “protect lives and property from daily attacks by armed groups and bandits has cost thousands of lives and created a potential humanitarian crisis across many Northern States.
“A new investigation shows that in the two years since the current government has been in power, at least 10,217 people have been killed in attacks by gunmen in Benue, Edo, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
“Benue State accounts for the highest death toll of 6,896, followed by Plateau State where 2,630 people were killed.
“Today marks exactly two years since President Bola Tinubu assumed office with a promise to enhance security. Instead, things have only gotten worse, as the authorities continue to fail to protect the rights to life, physical integrity, liberty and the security of tens of thousands of people across the country.”
The organisation therefore urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fulfill his promises to Nigerians and address the resurgence of the nation’s endemic security crisis.
