Amnesty International (AI) on Tuesday released a report
detailing the killing of over 112 people in Kaduna and Plateau
States by bandits and gunmen within a month, while about 160
individuals were abducted, with thousands displaced as a result of
violent attacks.
![image](/2021/07/Justice-Ejembi-Eko-1.jpg")
![image](/2021/07/LawPavilion0.jpg")
It blamed the Nigerian government’s failure to live up to its
obligation to protect the right to life for the month of bloody
attacks on both farmers and herders, in parts of Kaduna and Plateau
states.
![image](/2021/07/escrow-service1.jpg")
According to the statement authorised by Amnesty International
media manager, Mr Isa Sanusi, “at least 112 people were killed, 160
abducted and thousands displaced in communities in Kaduna and
Plateau states from July to 5 August 2021.”
“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,” the statement said while quoting Director, Amnesty
International Nigeria, Osai Ojigho.
“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 schoolchildren of Bethel Baptist
Church High School.
“At least 34 people have been killed in Plateau State, including
seven 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.
“A retaliatory attack on 31 July and 1 August 2021, led to the
killing of at least 17 people, and displacements of hundreds in
farming communities in Bassa and Riyom LGAs, Plateau state.”
A 39-year-old farmer informed Amnesty International that: “We
have been hearing gunshots in our village since Monday after the
attack. We don’t know why we were attacked, I had to relocate to
the IDP camp with my family.
“Leaders of some Fulani herders community in Plateau State
informed Amnesty International that the inaction of the security
officials contributed to the recent retaliatory attacks in the
state. The slow and ineffective response by security officials is
contributing to the attacks and reprisal in the state, people are
getting away with crimes.
“Nigerians expect the government to protect them and their
property, as provided by the Nigerian constitution and as enshrined
in international and African human rights treaties. The Nigerian
authorities must act swiftly to prevent such attacks from
happening. The slow response from security forces is clearly
causing increase in casualties, how much longer must people be
forced to live in fear as such brutal attacks continue?” Ojigho
queried.
Amnesty International (AI) on Tuesday released a report
detailing the killing of over 112 people in Kaduna and Plateau
States by bandits and gunmen within a month, while about 160
individuals were abducted, with thousands displaced as a result of
violent attacks.
It blamed the Nigerian government’s failure to live up to its
obligation to protect the right to life for the month of bloody
attacks on both farmers and herders, in parts of Kaduna and Plateau
states.
According to the statement authorised by Amnesty International
media manager, Mr Isa Sanusi, “at least 112 people were killed, 160
abducted and thousands displaced in communities in Kaduna and
Plateau states from July to 5 August 2021.”
“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,” the statement said while quoting Director, Amnesty
International Nigeria, Osai Ojigho.
“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 schoolchildren of Bethel Baptist
Church High School.
“At least 34 people have been killed in Plateau State, including
seven 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.
“A retaliatory attack on 31 July and 1 August 2021, led to the
killing of at least 17 people, and displacements of hundreds in
farming communities in Bassa and Riyom LGAs, Plateau state.”
A 39-year-old farmer informed Amnesty International that: “We
have been hearing gunshots in our village since Monday after the
attack. We don’t know why we were attacked, I had to relocate to
the IDP camp with my family.
“Leaders of some Fulani herders community in Plateau State
informed Amnesty International that the inaction of the security
officials contributed to the recent retaliatory attacks in the
state. The slow and ineffective response by security officials is
contributing to the attacks and reprisal in the state, people are
getting away with crimes.
“Nigerians expect the government to protect them and their
property, as provided by the Nigerian constitution and as enshrined
in international and African human rights treaties. The Nigerian
authorities must act swiftly to prevent such attacks from
happening. The slow response from security forces is clearly
causing increase in casualties, how much longer must people be
forced to live in fear as such brutal attacks continue?” Ojigho
queried.