Amnesty International has voiced strong criticism against the Nigerian government regarding the recent surge of killings in Plateau State. The organisation specifically pointed to a recent ambush in Jos South as clear evidence of the government's failure to safeguard its populace.
According to the human rights group, three young men lost their lives on Friday, April 3rd, when they were targeted by armed assailants in Nyangom Gel, an area within the Jos South Local Government Area.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, where approximately 30 individuals were killed just days prior, marking one of the most severe incidents in the state recently.
Amnesty International stated in a release that the recurring pattern of violence, coupled with delayed responses from security agencies, highlights systemic deficiencies in the protection of vulnerable communities.
"The complete inability of President Bola Tinubu's administration to tackle the pervasive insecurity is resulting in loss of life," the organisation declared.
The group further reported that victims of recent assaults shared accounts with them, detailing how security forces were frequently absent during attacks, often arriving only after the perpetrators had already departed.
"Some of the affected communities have reported that their villages have faced repeated attacks, not just once or twice, but up to six times," the statement elaborated.
Recurring attacks, rising casualties
Amnesty International observed that the situation in Plateau is emblematic of a wider trend of violence impacting both rural and urban areas.
"Plateau State is increasingly becoming a dangerous place, with ongoing attacks forcing residents to live in perpetual fear of the next assault," the organisation noted.
The group cited data indicating that from December 2023 to February 2024, at least 1,336 individuals were killed in Plateau State. Among these fatalities, 533 were women, 263 were children, and 540 were men, with over 29,000 people displaced.
These figures, the organisation stressed, underscore the gravity of the crisis and the urgent need for intervention.
Call for investigation, accountability
Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to implement concrete measures to prevent further attacks and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
It specifically called for "thorough, independent, and impartial investigations" into the Angwan Rukuba killings and other recent acts of violence.
"The mass burial of victims serves as a stark reminder of the authorities' failure to protect lives," the organisation commented.
Furthermore, it demanded that individuals suspected of perpetrating these crimes be brought before the justice system and that victims and survivors receive appropriate compensation.
Context of ongoing violence
PREMIUM TIMES has previously documented a series of attacks and retaliatory actions across Plateau State in recent days. This includes the Palm Sunday killings in Angwan Rukuba, which heightened tensions, led to curfews, and prompted increased security presence.
Despite assurances from President Tinubu and security agencies that the situation is under control, new incidents continue to surface, such as the recent fatalities in Jos South.
The ongoing developments have intensified concerns among residents and civil society organisations regarding the effectiveness of current security strategies and the government's capacity to prevent further bloodshed.
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