By Obinna Uballa
Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the Federal Government for allegedly failing to curb escalating violence across the country, warning that citizens are increasingly exposed to attacks without adequate protection.
In a statement released on Friday via its official X handle (@AmnestyNigeria), the rights organisation said at least 65 people were killed in a series of violent incidents within one week, leaving hundreds dead and many others displaced in recent months.
This development has triggered concerns amongst some stakeholders, urging the Federal government to initiate prompt measures to address these concerns.
According to Amnesty, the wave of attacks reflects a “disturbing pattern of insecurity and lack of accountability,” which continues to threaten lives and livelihoods nationwide.
“The Nigerian authorities must do more to address the horrifying and increasing threat to the right to life in some parts of the country,” the group said.
The report highlighted two major incidents during the week: an attack on worshippers in Katsina State, where gunmen reportedly killed over 50 people and abducted more than 60 others, and another in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where at least 15 farmers were reportedly slaughtered, forcing over 200 residents to flee their homes.
Amnesty International while describing the situation as an “alarming escalation of killings, abductions for ransom and frequent attacks,” said, it has left many Nigerians living in fear.
“Incessant killings and the stunning failure of the authorities to end them and bring suspected perpetrators to justice have been and continue to be a threat to the right to life in Nigeria,” the statement added.
The organisation stressed that the government has a constitutional and international obligation to safeguard citizens’ rights.
“No one deserves to live constantly bracing for the next attack or abduction. The Nigerian authorities are obliged under international human rights law, regional human rights treaties, and Nigeria’s own constitution to protect the human rights of all people without discrimination – and that includes the right to life,” Amnesty said.
