Global rights group, Amnesty International, has said the tasks issued to security agencies by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), against killings in the country have changed nothing.
Amnesty said this while reacting to the attack by bandits on dozens of travellers in Sokoto State which left many dead.
In a statement on social media, the rights group lamented that perpetrators of such attacks have not been brought to justice, adding that the situation leaves Sokoto and other parts of the north feeling completely let down and helpless.
The statement read, “Amnesty International is appalled by killing of dozens of travellers in Isa local government Sokoto state. According to the Sokoto government, 23 persons died of injuries sustained from burns after bandits shot at a bus conveying travellers from Sokoto to Kaduna.
“The Nigerian authorities have left rural communities in Sokoto state at the mercy of rampaging gunmen who have killed hundreds in the last two years. On 28 May, at least 74 people were reportedly killed in Sokoto state, when gunmen attacked four villages in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
“The violence has forced many farmers and their families to flee their homes. This is pushing the region to the brink of a major humanitarian crisis. The Nigerian authorities’ failure to stem the violence is costing people’s lives and livelihoods, and without immediate action, many more lives may be lost.
“In addition to the security forces’ failure to heed warnings or respond in time to save lives, the fact that no perpetrators have been brought to justice leaves rural communities in Sokoto state and other parts of the north feeling completely let down and helpless.
“The President claims he has repeatedly tasked security agencies to end the killing so that Nigerians can go to bed with their eyes closed, but clearly nothing has changed.”
Copyright PUNCH.
