Amnesty: Over 112 people killed in Plateau, Kaduna in one month

Amnesty International says the failure of Nigerian authorities to protect lives and properties has enabled the bloody attacks in some communities in Plateau and Kaduna states.

The international organisation, in a statement released on Tuesday, said at least 112 people were killed and thousands displaced from July to August 5, 2021 in communities in the two states.

The organisation said despite signs of retaliatory attacks, not enough was done to avert the bloodshed, thereby fuelling the ongoing circle of violence.

Amnesty asked the government to bring perpetrators of the violent attacks to book, before issuing statements to condemn attacks.

“At least 112 people were killed, 160 abducted and thousands displaced in communities in Kaduna and Plateau states from July to 5 August 2021,” the statement reads.

“Our findings show that despite clear signs that there will be retaliatory attacks, enough is not being done to prevent the bloodshed, thereby fueling the ongoing circle of violence.

“Beyond issuing statements and condemning attacks after they happen; government needs to rein in on attackers and bring suspects to justice,” said Osai Ojigho Director Amnesty International Nigeria.

“Amnesty International’s investigation shows at least 78 people were killed and 160 abducted by bandits between 3 July and 5 August 2021 in Kaduna state including 121 school children of Bethel Baptist Church High School.

“At least 34 people have been killed in Plateau state, including 7 herders who were attacked on 1 July at Dogon Gaba, 2 others were lynched at Fusa Village while trying to locate their missing cow.

“Villagers from farming communities, informed Amnesty International that, innocent people and communities that know nothing about the attacks are sometimes targeted for reprisal.

Amnesty added that a retaliatory attack on July 31 and August 1 “led to the killing of at least 17 people, and displacements of hundreds in farming communities in Bassa and Riyom LGAs, Plateau state”.

Over the past few weeks, some communities in Kaduna and Plateau have witnessed a surge in the killings and destruction of properties.

As a result, Simon Lalong, governor of Plateau, asked security agencies to be ruthless with criminals while the Kaduna state government recently encouraged residents to embrace peace and break the cycle of violence in the state.