Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to ensure that those responsible for the killing of at least 18 people in Kawel and Kopkon communities of Mushere District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, are swiftly arrested and prosecuted, warning that the continued bloodshed in the state reflects a deepening security crisis.
The human rights organisation made the call following the burial of the victims on Sunday, describing the tragedy as another stark reminder of the government’s failure to protect lives and property.
According to Amnesty International, the latest attack occurred less than five days after the killing of the District Head of Gwande, Samuel Alaket, also in Bokkos Local Government Area, highlighting what it described as a disturbing pattern of recurring violence in Plateau communities.
The organisation said the repeated attacks on rural settlements demonstrate that many communities have been left vulnerable to armed groups operating with apparent impunity.
“The endless bloodshed in Plateau State must end. The burial of those killed today is yet another sad reminder of the utter failure of the Nigerian authorities to protect lives,” Amnesty International said in a statement.
The rights group warned that the authorities’ inability to halt the persistent attacks is costing innocent lives and destroying livelihoods, stressing that the violence would continue unless urgent and decisive action is taken to improve security and ensure accountability.
It urged security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice, while calling on the government to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities across Plateau State.
Amnesty International also questioned the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s security strategy, noting that the recent attacks appear inconsistent with assurances by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that new measures are being implemented to tackle insecurity nationwide.
According to the organisation, the continued attacks in Plateau State suggest that existing security interventions have yet to produce the desired results, underscoring the need for more effective measures to prevent further loss of lives.
The organisation reiterated its call for immediate action to end the cycle of violence, protect affected communities and ensure justice for victims and their families.
