The Amnesty International said over 120 people have so far been killed since President Bola Tinubu was sworn in on May 29, 2023.
The organisation disclosed this yesterday in a statement signed by its acting director in Nigeria, Mr. Isa Sanusi.
Sanusi deplored federal government for its failure to protect Nigerians saying the government had failed to step up security measures in response to various attacks by terrorists despite its promises to protect the lives of vulnerable communities.
Besides, he slammed the government for its failure to carry out independent, effective, impartial and thorough investigations into the killings, noting that this has been fuelling the impunity.
Why he called on the federal government to urgently take steps to stop the bloodletting, Sanusi said rural communities, always bracing themselves for the next bout of violence, were facing deadly attacks by rampaging killers.
“It is horrific that attacks by gunmen have claimed at least 123 lives mere weeks after President Bola Tinubu assumed office on 29 May.
“Rural communities, always bracing themselves for the next bout of violence, are facing deadly attacks by rampaging killers.
“Protecting lives should be the utmost priority of the new government. The Nigerian authorities must urgently take steps to stop the bloodletting.
“The brazen failure of the authorities to protect the people of Nigeria is gradually becoming the ‘norm’ in the country.
“The government said it will enact security measures in response to these attacks, but these promises have not translated into meaningful action that protects the lives of vulnerable communities.
“The Nigerian authorities have also consistently failed to carry out independent, effective, impartial and thorough investigations into these killings – and this is fueling impunity.
“The Nigerian authorities are obliged under international human rights law, regional human rights treaties and Nigeria’s own constitution to protect the human rights of all people without discrimination – and that includes the right to life.
“Those suspected of criminal responsibility for these callous crimes must urgently be brought to justice in fair trials,” Sanusi stated.
