Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to take urgent and concrete action to stop the wave of killings in Benue State, warning that repeated attacks on communities are worsening the human rights situation.
In a post shared on its official X account on Wednesday, the organisation condemned the killing of nine people during an attack on Ankpali Edikwu Ward in Apa Local Government Area.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the killing of nine people during an attack,” it said, describing the incident as part of a growing pattern of violence in the area.
According to the organisation: “Gunmen have recently attacked at least 7 villages in Apa Local Government Area. During such attacks in Benue State, the gunmen, ensured that after killing people, they also destroyed bore holes, clinics and schools.”
Amnesty warned that the continued attacks highlight the failure of authorities to adequately protect lives and property.
It urged the government to move beyond statements and take decisive steps.
“Authorities must move swiftly to match their words with serious and concrete action to guarantee the human rights of everyone in Nigeria if they are to be taken seriously on their oft-expressed commitment to stop the killings, violence, abductions and other human rights crimes in several parts of the country,” Amnesty added.
