Over 10,000 Nigerians killed, 672 villages sacked in 2 Years — Amnesty Int’l

Amnesty International has reported that more than 10,217 people have been killed in violent attacks across Nigeria since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office two years ago.

In a statement released Thursday, the human rights organization highlighted escalating insecurity, particularly in northern states, despite government promises to improve safety.

Benue State recorded the highest number of fatalities with 6,896 deaths, followed by Plateau State with at least 2,630.

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The report, based on extensive field investigations, criticizes the federal government for failing to protect citizens and uphold their rights to life, security, and liberty.

“Today marks two years since President Bola Tinubu took office promising to improve security. Instead, the situation has worsened,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. “Authorities continue to fail tens of thousands of people by not protecting their basic rights.”

The organization noted the emergence of new armed groups such as Lakurawa in Sokoto and Kebbi states and Mamuda in Kwara, while existing groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP have intensified their operations.

In Zamfara State alone, 638 villages have been destroyed by bandits, with 725 still under their control across 13 local government areas.

Over the past two years, more than 273 people have been killed and 467 kidnapped in Zamfara, including an attack on April 24, 2025, that killed over 20 miners in Gobirawar Chali.

Benue and Plateau have suffered some of the deadliest violence. In Plateau’s Bokkos LGA, an April 3, 2025, attack killed dozens, including entire families.

In Benue, widespread attacks have led to the destruction of clinics, schools, boreholes, and grain stores.

All 23 LGAs in the state have been affected, with over 200 villages sacked and about 450,000 people displaced. Plateau has seen 38 attacks in two years, displacing roughly 65,000 residents.

Amnesty International also warned that ongoing violence is worsening Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis and threatening food security.

Many displaced farmers have lost access to their land, while others in Katsina and Plateau states now rely on begging to survive.

In Zamfara’s Dangulbi district, bandit activity prevents farmers from transporting their harvests to market.

Attacks continue to displace entire communities, such as the May 9–11 violence in Sokoto’s Isa LGA, which saw four villages sacked.

In several states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina, gunmen reportedly impose “levies” on communities via phone, threatening death for non-payment.

Residents expressed frustration with the government’s response, accusing it of issuing only “empty statements” after attacks.

One Maru resident said, “The only relationship we have with the government is their statements after we’re attacked and killed. Nothing changes.”

Under international law, the Nigerian government is obligated to protect lives and ensure justice for victims.

Amnesty International says the failure to fulfill these duties fuels a cycle of impunity and worsening violence.

“The government must match words with real action,” Sanusi urged.

“They must stop the killings, violence, abductions, and other human rights abuses. Time is running out.”

Amnesty International, which has monitored these conflicts since 2016, continues to document the Nigerian government’s shortcomings in protecting its most vulnerable communities.