Amnesty International Nigeria has raised the alarm over a surge of violence in Benue State that has claimed at least 85 lives in just one week, urging the Nigerian authorities to take urgent and decisive action to protect vulnerable communities.
On Sunday, coordinated attacks by gunmen targeted two communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas (LGAs) around 7:00 p.m. Witnesses reported that gunmen in a convoy stormed Tse Antswam, near Naka town in Gwer West LGA, killing dozens and setting homes ablaze. Simultaneously, another group of armed attackers invaded Edikwu Ankpali in Apa LGA, resulting in further bloodshed.
These latest assaults follow a spate of deadly attacks in Gwer West LGA the previous week, where gunmen killed 42 villagers in separate incidents. Residents have described the terrifying scenes of gunmen descending on their communities, forcing families to flee into the bush for safety.
Amnesty International condemned the relentless violence and called on the Nigerian government to urgently strengthen security in Benue State. The human rights group also called for credible investigations into the attacks to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“These repeated killings highlight the government’s failure to protect its citizens,” said Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. “Communities in Benue have endured persistent violence for years, and the lack of accountability has only emboldened attackers.”
Benue State, part of Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, has long been a hotspot for violent clashes involving armed groups, particularly between herders and farming communities. Despite repeated promises by authorities to restore peace and protect civilians, attacks have continued unabated, fueling fear and insecurity among residents.
Amnesty International emphasized the need for urgent humanitarian assistance to support the survivors, many of whom have been displaced and left without basic necessities. The organization also called for increased efforts to address the root causes of the violence, including disputes over land and resources, and to promote peaceful coexistence in the region.
