Amnesty International condemns killing of 12 in Plateau community attack

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria — Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the killing of at least 12 people during what it described as a “horrific midnight attack” on Ngbra-Zongo village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State in the country’s northcentral.

In a statement issued on Friday, the rights organisation said 10 other persons were currently receiving treatment for gunshot injuries sustained during the attack.

According to Amnesty International, the victims included pregnant women and children.

“The victims include pregnant women and children. Entire families were locked up in rooms of their homes and slaughtered one by one,” the organisation stated.

Amnesty International accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of failing to effectively address Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

“The utter failure of President Bola Tinubu’s government to address widespread insecurity is costing lives. While the government of Tinubu is claiming to be tackling the endemic security crisis, the death toll tells a different story,” the statement added.

The organisation warned that Plateau State was becoming increasingly unsafe, with repeated attacks on rural and urban communities forcing residents to live in fear.

“Many communities are dotted with mass graves of people killed by gunmen on rampage,” Amnesty said.

The rights group further accused Nigerian authorities of repeatedly failing residents of Plateau State, noting that recurring attacks by armed groups had deprived thousands of people of their rights to life, liberty, physical safety and livelihood.

Amnesty International called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts aimed at ending the violence and ensuring accountability for those responsible.

The organisation also demanded justice and adequate compensation for victims and survivors of the attacks.

“Victims and survivors must be given adequate reparation,” the statement concluded.