“Nigerian authorities have failed Benue people again” – Amnesty International

The government of Nigeria and its relevant agencies have failed the people of Benue State, Amnesty International has said.

The international organisation in its reaction to the recent killing of residents of Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State on Easter Sunday accused the government of failing to protect the people.

In a statement issued on Sunday night, AI said over 500,000 people have been displaced in Benue State.

It said, “Amnesty International condemns the latest attack in Benue state in which 17 people were killed at Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area. Gunmen invaded the village on Sunday while Easter celebrations were ongoing, leaving dozens of people severely injured.

“Apart from killing people the gunmen also set many homes and shops on fire. Families are still searching for those missing since the attack.

“In Benue state, attacks by gunmen have displaced over 500,000 people, many of whom are languishing in squalid camps without access to sufficient water, poor sanitation, food and healthcare,” AI stated.

It also expressed concerns that Bigerians across the country have consistently been deprived of their rights to life and freedom of movement following the activities of the criminal.

“The Nigerian authorities have failed the people of Benue state again and again. Frequent attacks by gunmen have deprived thousands of people of their rights to life, physical integrity, liberty, freedom of movement and access to livelihoods,” AI added.