Amnesty Sounds Alarm Over Fresh Wave of Attacks in Northern Nigeria

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Amnesty International Nigeria has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in parts of Niger and Zamfara states, warning that renewed bandit attacks have driven hundreds of people from their homes and farmlands.

In a statement shared on Tuesday, the human rights organisation disclosed that several communities around Rijau in Niger State, as well as areas of Zamfara State, had been affected by the violence, forcing residents to flee in search of safety.

According to Amnesty International, many affected villagers have left behind their homes, personal belongings and properties accumulated over years of hard work. Farmers have also been forced to abandon their fields as the harvest period draws closer.

“The Nigerian authorities have displayed gross incompetence and a total disregard for people’s lives,” the organisation said, criticising the government’s handling of the security crisis.

The group accused the Nigerian government of failing to provide adequate protection for rural communities in the northern region against armed groups that have carried out deadly attacks over several years.

“The Nigerian authorities have left rural communities in the north at the mercy of rampaging gunmen who have killed hundreds since 2018,” Amnesty International said.

The organisation cautioned that persistent attacks and the displacement of residents could trigger a serious humanitarian emergency, threatening food supplies and the livelihoods of affected communities.

“The Nigerian authorities’ failure to stem the violence is costing people’s lives and livelihoods, and without immediate action many more lives may be lost,” it added.

Amnesty International called on the authorities to take immediate measures to safeguard vulnerable communities, halt the violence and prevent further destruction of lives and livelihoods.

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