10,217 killed, 672 villages sacked in 2 years of Tinubu’s administration–Amnesty International

 

Maureen Aguta

 

More than 10,000 people have been killed and hundreds of communities destroyed in Nigeria since President Bola Tinubu assumed office two years ago, Amnesty International said on Thursday, warning of a “looming humanitarian crisis” and escalating insecurity across several northern states.

This is as the embassy, while describing the attacks as “deeply troubling”, asked the Bola Tinubu government to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a damning new report released to mark the second anniversary of Tinubu’s presidency, the global human rights watchdog said its investigation documented the killings of at least 10,217 people in armed attacks in Benue, Edo, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara states since May 29, 2023.

Benue state, according to Amnesty, recorded the highest number of deaths with 6,896 killed, followed by Plateau with 2,630 fatalities. The report said 672 villages were sacked by gunmen and bandits across these states, deepening mass displacement and threatening food security.

“Today marks exactly two years since President Bola Tinubu assumed office with a promise to enhance security. Instead, things have only gotten worse, as the authorities continue to fail to protect the rights to life, physical integrity, liberty and the security of tens of thousands of people across the country,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

The report noted that in the two years since President Tinubu’s government assumed power, new armed groups have emerged including Lakurawa in Sokoto and Kebbi state, and Mamuda in Kwara state, while hundreds of villages have been sacked by gunmen in Benue, Borno, Katsina, Sokoto, Plateau and Zamfara.

In Zamfara state, over 481 villages have been sacked, with 529 others under the control of bandits across 13 local government areas, Amnesty said. The group documented daily attacks, including a massacre of over 20 miners in Gobirawar Chali on April 24, 2025.

The report also highlighted atrocities in Plateau and Benue, where entire communities were razed and critical infrastructure such as boreholes, clinics, schools, grain reserves and places of worship destroyed.

“These attacks deprive people of their right to life while the survivors are deprived of their livelihood,” Sanusi said.

More than 450,000 people in Benue and 65,000 in Plateau have been displaced, many now resorting to begging, unable to farm or return to their communities.

Amnesty concluded that the government’s failure to act decisively has fueled a “cycle of impunity” that emboldens armed groups and leaves millions at risk.

“President Tinubu must fulfill his promises to Nigerians and urgently address the resurgence of the nation’s endemic security crisis. The recent escalation of attacks by Boko Haram and other armed groups shows that the security measures implemented by President Tinubu’s government are simply not working,” said Sanusi.

The United States Embassy in Nigeria condemned the recent wave of violence that has gripped different parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Imo, Benue, and Plateau states.

The embassy, while describing the attacks as “deeply troubling”, asked the Bola Tinubu government to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a brief statement shared Wednesday via its official account on X (formerly Twitter), the Embassy said, “The United States Embassy in Nigeria is deeply saddened by and condemns recent acts of violence in Borno, in Imo, and most recently in Benue and Plateau.

“The ongoing threats faced by communities and community leaders in Nigeria are deeply troubling. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by these senseless acts.

“We look to Nigerian authorities to conduct thorough investigations to hold those responsible accountable. The United States stands with Nigeria in its efforts to promote peace, security, and respect for human rights across the country.”

The statement comes amid a disturbing surge in terrorist attacks, killings, and communal violence that have left hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced across several Nigerian states.

In Borno State, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents have continued their prolonged campaign of terror.

Despite military offensives, sporadic ambushes, suicide bombings, and targeted killings persist, affecting mostly rural communities and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

In Benue State, suspected herdsmen attacks on agrarian communities have escalated in recent months.

Last week alone, over 30 people were reported killed in separate raids on Guma and Ukum Local Government Areas. Homes were razed, and many fled for safety, adding to the state’s growing humanitarian crisis.

Plateau State has witnessed repeated cycles of ethno-religious and herder-farmer violence.

In April, coordinated attacks on communities in Bokkos and Mangu LGAs left more than 70 people dead. Survivors have recounted horrific scenes of execution-style killings, arson, and mass displacement.

In the South-East, Imo State remains a hotspot of deadly unrest, often linked to separatist movements and armed criminal gangs.

Security forces and residents have been targeted in ambushes, including a recent attack in Orlu that left several policemen dead.

The U.S. Embassy’s statement added to growing international concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.

Rights groups and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called on the government to strengthen protections for vulnerable populations and end the impunity surrounding mass killings.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has pledged to prioritise security, but the resurgence of violence has raised questions about the effectiveness of federal and state-level interventions.