By Abraham Olayinka
Amnesty International has strongly condemned the recent attacks that erupted in several communities across Bokkos and portions of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State, resulting in the deaths of over 70 individuals. The attacks, initiated on Saturday night by unidentified gunmen, inflicted injuries on numerous people while forcing many to flee their homes.
Amid ongoing efforts to locate several missing individuals following the onslaught, Amnesty International highlighted the recurring failure of President Bola Tinubu and Nigerian authorities to curb these frequent and deadly attacks on rural communities within Plateau state.
The continuous inability of the authorities to safeguard the populace in Nigeria has become a concerning pattern. Despite President Bola Tinubu’s pledges to implement security measures in response to such killings, these commitments, according to Amnesty International, have yet to translate into effective action.
The statement reads, “Amnesty International condemns the killing of over 70 people in fresh attacks by gunmen on some communities of Bokkos and parts of Barkin-Ladi LGA of Plateau State. The attacks that started in the night of Saturday also left dozens of people injured and displaced.
“While search is also ongoing for dozens of people missing since the attack, again and again, the Nigerian authorities have been failing to end frequent deadly attacks on rural communities of Plateau state.
“The brazen failure of the authorities to protect the people of Nigeria is gradually becoming the ‘norm.’ President Bola Tinubu said he will enact security measures in response to these attacks, but these promises have — so far — proven to be empty”.
The organization’s statement underscores the urgent need for swift and decisive actions by the Nigerian government to halt the recurring violence and ensure the safety and protection of its citizens in affected regions.