The Global watchdog, Amnesty International, on Sunday, claimed at least 1,126 rural dwellers in seven northern states of Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba and Zamfara, have lost their lives to rampaging insecurity in the zone since the beginning of the year.

In a statement highlighting its recent findings, about 380 villagers were also reportedly abducted for ransom within the months under review, with victims’ relatives reportedly selling off property to pay demanded ransom. Abductees whose ransom couldn’t be paid met an untimely death, the new report claimed.

Insecurity is worsening in the North and AI said it is due to the Nigerian authorities leaving the backstreet communities poorly-policed. Country Director of AI in Nigeria, Osai Ojigho, says: “Terrifying attacks on rural communities in the north of Nigeria have been going on for years. The ongoing failure of security forces to take sufficient steps to protect villagers from these predictable attacks is utterly shameful.

“In addition to the security forces’ failure to heed warnings or respond in time to save lives, the fact that no perpetrators have been brought to justice leaves rural communities feeling completely exposed. The president claims he has repeatedly tasked security agencies to end the killing so that Nigerians can go to bed with their eyes closed, but clearly nothing has changed.”

While highlighting the attacks, the organisation said it interviewed civilians in Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba and Zamfara states, adding, “Many of those interviewed described how security forces often arrive hours after attacks have ended, even when officers have been given information about impending attacks.

During one attack in Unguwan Magaji in Kaduna State, security forces arrived at the scene but left when they saw the sophisticated ammunition the attackers were using. By the time they returned, at least 17 people had been killed.

Worst affected are villages in the south of Kaduna State, where armed men killed at least 366 people in multiple attacks between January and July 2020.” Breaking the killings down, Amnesty International’s the statement says, “At least 77 people have been killed since January 2020 in the ongoing communal clashes between the Jukun and Tiv ethnic groups in Taraba State, North-East Nigeria. “On 28 May, at least 74 people were reportedly killed in Sokoto State when gunmen attacked four villages in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

“On 6 August, at least 22 people were reported killed when gunmen suspected to be herders attacked four communities n Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of the state. “More than 100 people were killed in July during 11 suspected coordinated attacks in Chikun, Kaura and Zangon-Kataf local government areas of the state. (Nigerian Tribune)

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