Amnesty International has strongly condemned the recent wave of violence in Plateau State, where over 70 people lost their lives in fresh attacks by gunmen on communities in Bokkos and parts of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area. The attacks, which began on Saturday night, also resulted in dozens of injuries and forced many residents to flee their homes.
The ongoing search for dozens of missing individuals adds to the grim aftermath of the attacks, emphasizing the persistent challenges faced by rural communities in Plateau state. Despite these recurring incidents, Nigerian authorities have been criticized for their failure to effectively address and prevent such deadly assaults.
The statement from Amnesty International underscores the alarming trend of the authorities’ inability to protect the people, characterizing it as a ‘norm.’ President Bola Tinubu had previously pledged to implement security measures in response to these attacks. However, the promises made thus far are described as empty, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens.
As the affected communities grapple with the devastating impact of the attacks, calls for urgent and effective measures to address the security challenges in Plateau State continue to mount.