Amnesty International urges Nigerian govt to end Plateau attacks, impunity

By Tolu Temidire

Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian authorities to take urgent and concrete measures to end the recurring attacks and reprisals in Plateau State, warning that residents in some rural communities are being forced to live in constant fear of the next attack.

The organisation, in a statement, identified Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Riyom and Mangu Local Government Areas as particularly affected by the latest wave of violence.

Amnesty International said the persistent crisis in Plateau State was evidence of what it described as the failure of the Nigerian authorities to adequately protect citizens from attacks.

It warned that insecurity must not be allowed to become a permanent feature of life in rural communities across the state, stressing that the authorities had a responsibility to protect lives and property.

According to the organisation, the scale of the violence was also reflected in the discovery of additional bodies in bushes while victims of earlier attacks were being prepared for mass burial.

Amnesty International said, “At least 1,336 people were killed in Plateau State between December 2023 and February 2024 alone,” adding that attacks, raids and reprisals had continued into 2025 and 2026.

The organisation urged the authorities to demonstrate genuine commitment to protecting the people by providing adequate security and ensuring justice for victims of the violence.

It also expressed concern over what it described as the consistent failure of the authorities to bring suspected perpetrators of the attacks to justice.

Amnesty International said the lack of accountability was contributing to a climate of impunity and could embolden those responsible for carrying out further attacks.

The organisation therefore called for effective investigations into the violence and prosecution of those found responsible, while urging the government to strengthen security measures in affected communities.

It stressed that protecting civilians and ensuring accountability for attacks were necessary to restore confidence and prevent further cycles of violence and reprisals in Plateau State.