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Soaring Death Toll And Escalating Humanitarian Crisis Amid Relentless Armed Attacks In Northern Nigeria
Amnesty International has raised alarm over the Nigerian government’s failure to protect citizens from a relentless wave of violence carried out by armed groups and bandits, warning of a growing humanitarian crisis in the northern regions.
According to a new investigation released by the organization, no fewer than 10,217 individuals have been killed in violent attacks across several states including Benue, Edo, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara—since the beginning of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Benue State alone has recorded a staggering 6,896 deaths, followed by Plateau with 2,630 fatalities.
“Today marks exactly two years since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, promising to bolster national security. Unfortunately, the situation has deteriorated significantly,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. “The government has failed to safeguard the fundamental rights to life, security, liberty, and bodily integrity for tens of thousands of Nigerians.”
Amnesty's report also highlights the emergence of new armed factions, including the Lakurawa group in Sokoto and Kebbi, and the Mamuda group in Kwara State. Meanwhile, hundreds of villages have been attacked and destroyed by gunmen in Benue, Borno, Katsina, Sokoto, Plateau, and Zamfara.
The organization has called on President Tinubu to urgently honour his security commitments and take decisive action to end the unchecked violence and restore safety to affected communities.
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