FG’s Inaction Fueling Killings Nationwide – Amnesty

Amnesty International

International Human Rights Group Wants Killers Brought To Book

Amnesty International have yesterday blamed the continuous herdsmen killings on Federal Government’s failure to call the perpetrators to account, stating that it has served as an encouragement to the herdsmen.

Also, the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere; its counterpart in the South East, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, all agreed with Amnesty’s statement as they stated that the group’s observation was spot on.

However, the Presidency refused to react to the allegation but referred newsmen to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who promised to react later, after studying the report and consulting with relevant government agencies.

Similarly, Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. John Agim, also said Defence Headquarters would react only after studying Amnesty International’s report.

But Amnesty International director in Nigeria, Osai Ojigho, in a statement said at least 1,813 people had been killed in attacks across 17 states since January 2018, stressing that it was double the killings in the whole of 2017.

The organisation were displeased that the federal government were not doing enough to curb the killings in the northern part of the country.

“Independently verified estimated figures indicate that since January 2018, at least 1,813 people have been murdered in 17 states, which is double the 894 people killed in 2017.”

It noted that by failing to hold murderers to account, the Federal Government was encouraging impunity, which is fuelling rising insecurity across the country.

“We are gravely concerned about the rising spate of killings across the country, especially the communal clashes between farmers and herders and attacks by bandits across at least 17 states.

“The authorities have a responsibility to protect lives and properties, but they are clearly not doing enough going by what is happening”, Amnesty International stated.

It said the latest incident in Plateau State, where gunmen attacked and killed over 80 villagers, should be investigated.

“Government must answer these questions: Who are these attackers? Where do they come from? Where do they go after attacks? Who arms them? Why is security forces’ response time very slow?”

AI said it was currently investigating the rising insecurity that had resulted in the increase in killings across Nigeria.

“Amnesty International’s investigations show worrying details of how frequently the security forces failed to protect villagers. In all cases Amnesty International investigated, the attackers usually arrive in their hundreds, spend hours killing people and setting houses on fire and then disappear without a trace.

“We are at the peak of farming season, and communities affected by this wave of violence are largely agrarian. But because of fear of attacks they have either been displaced or unable to cultivate their farms. Therefore, their major source of food and income are threatened by the attacks,” the group noted.

Amnesty International urged the government to make arrests and bring to justice those responsible for the attacks.

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