Amnesty International condemns security failures as gunmen strike again in Nigeria’s violence-plagued central region
PLATEAU STATE, Nigeria – In a chilling recurrence of violence, at least 51 people were killed and dozens more injured in coordinated attacks on two villages in Nigeria’s central Plateau State on Monday. The massacre, reportedly carried out by gunmen suspected to be cattle rustlers, comes exactly one week after a similar deadly raid claimed the lives of 52 individuals in the same region.
According to local sources and rescue teams, the attackers stormed the villages in the Bassa district under the cover of night, opening fire on residents and using machetes in a brutal onslaught that left homes looted, bodies mutilated, and entire communities devastated. A mass burial has since been conducted for the victims.
The attack, one of the deadliest in recent months, has reignited widespread concern over deteriorating security in Plateau, a region often referred to as Nigeria’s “Middle Belt” due to its central location and ethnic diversity. The area has long been a flashpoint for violence, with clashes frequently erupting between predominantly Christian farming communities and mostly Muslim herders.
Recurring Violence in Nigeria’s Heartland
The timing of Monday’s massacre – just seven days after a separate raid with a near-identical death toll – has sparked outrage among citizens, civil society groups, and international observers who say the government has failed to adequately address the root causes of the violence or protect vulnerable communities.
“This is a grave failure of security,” said Amnesty International in a strongly worded statement. “The inexcusable absence of protection for these communities is what allowed this carnage to happen. These repeated massacres are the result of longstanding negligence and lack of accountability.”
Eyewitnesses told Reuters that the gunmen arrived in large numbers, some on motorcycles, while others were heavily armed and moved on foot. Survivors described scenes of terror and chaos, as families fled their homes under gunfire. Local vigilante groups attempted to resist the attackers but were quickly overwhelmed.
One resident, who lost several family members in the raid, recounted the horror. “They came at night and surrounded our village,” he said. “We heard gunshots and screaming. They set homes on fire. There was nothing we could do. The security forces came too late.”
A Pattern of Neglect
Plateau State has been at the epicenter of Nigeria’s growing inter-communal tensions, with land disputes, religious differences, and competition for dwindling resources fueling a cycle of violence. Experts say the conflict has evolved beyond local grievances into organized and often criminal acts, including cattle rustling, extortion, and targeted killings.
Despite numerous peace-building efforts and security deployments over the years, the region continues to witness frequent bloodshed. Community leaders and analysts argue that a lack of political will, inadequate law enforcement, and poor intelligence-gathering have allowed armed groups to act with impunity.
“The government needs to go beyond issuing statements and take concrete actions to dismantle the networks behind these attacks,” said Dr. Ibrahim Sani, a conflict resolution expert based in Abuja. “We’re dealing with systemic failure that has persisted for too long.”
Calls for Justice and Accountability
Following Monday’s attack, humanitarian organizations and human rights groups have renewed their calls for independent investigations and increased protection for at-risk communities.
“The Nigerian government has a duty to protect all its citizens, regardless of their location or ethnic background,” said Osai Ojigho, Amnesty International’s Nigeria director. “We demand a full inquiry into this latest massacre and justice for the victims and their families.”
Local and international media have documented a rising number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Plateau and surrounding states, as villagers flee escalating violence. Makeshift camps and humanitarian efforts are stretched thin, with limited access to food, shelter, and medical aid.
Meanwhile, civil society organizations are urging the federal government to prioritize dialogue and long-term peacebuilding strategies, including addressing the socio-economic inequalities and environmental challenges that often fuel such conflicts.
A Nation on Edge
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is facing multiple security challenges, from Islamist insurgency in the northeast to banditry in the northwest and separatist tensions in the southeast. The central region’s crisis adds yet another layer of complexity to the nation’s security landscape.
President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office in 2023, pledged to restore peace and security across Nigeria. However, critics argue that progress has been slow, and many of the root causes of violence remain unaddressed.
As news of the latest Plateau killings spreads, pressure is mounting on state and federal authorities to act decisively. In a statement on Tuesday, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the attacks and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We cannot continue to bury our brothers and sisters every week,” the governor said. “This bloodshed must stop. We are working with security agencies to hunt down those responsible, and we will not rest until justice is served.”
Conclusion
Monday’s deadly raid in Plateau State underscores the fragility of peace in Nigeria’s middle belt and the urgent need for comprehensive action. For the families mourning yet another mass burial, the government’s promises offer little solace – what they need now is protection, justice, and an end to the relentless cycle of violence.
