Amnesty International has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the worsening security crisis in Zamfara State following the brutal killing of 38 kidnapping victims by armed bandits in Banga village, Kauran Namoda Local Government Area.
In a strongly worded statement, the human rights organisation described the killings as a glaring example of the Nigerian government’s repeated failure to protect its citizens from escalating violence in the region.
The victims, held captive for five months, were reportedly subjected to torture and inhumane treatment. Their families, desperate to secure their release, were forced to sell personal belongings to raise ransom payments. Despite this, all 38 were executed by their captors.
Amnesty International said no part of Zamfara has been safe since at least 2018, noting that daily attacks and abductions have become the norm. Many major roads are now under the control of criminal groups, severely restricting movement and trade.
According to the organisation, over the last two years alone, 273 people have been killed and 467 abducted. A total of 481 villages have been displaced by bandits, with another 529 reportedly under their control across 13 local government areas.
“The people of Zamfara are paying with their lives for the government’s negligence,” Amnesty stated. “Like his predecessor, President Tinubu has so far failed to prioritise their safety.”
Amnesty further reminded the Nigerian government of its responsibility under both national and international law to ensure the protection of all citizens without discrimination, stressing that urgent and sustained action is needed to end the bloodshed and restore peace in the region.
