Amnesty International has released a damning report highlighting the worsening security crisis in Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara State, where residents lament the government's failure to protect them from relentless attacks by armed groups.
The report reveals that since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office two years ago, over 10,217 Nigerians have been killed in violent attacks across several northern states, with Zamfara suffering significant devastation. Residents of Maru Local Government Area expressed frustration, stating, “The only relationship between us and the government is that they issue media statements after we are attacked and killed.”
According to Amnesty International, 638 villages have been destroyed in Zamfara alone, while 725 villages remain under bandit control across 13 local government areas. The violence has led to the deaths of over 273 people and the abduction of 467 others in the past two years.
Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, criticized the government's response, stating, “Instead of fulfilling its promise to enhance security, the authorities continue to fail in protecting the rights to life, physical integrity, liberty, and security of tens of thousands of people across the country.”
The humanitarian crisis is deepening, with displaced communities facing food insecurity and economic hardship. Farmers in Zamfara’s Dangulbi district report being unable to transport their harvests due to bandit activity, further exacerbating the region’s instability.
Amnesty International calls on the Nigerian government to take immediate and decisive action to address the escalating violence, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure justice for victims. The organization urges President Tinubu to prioritize security reforms and implement effective measures to curb the activities of armed groups.