Amnesty International has issued a strong condemnation following the brutal killing of at least 15 people, the majority of whom were women and children, during a Sunday attack on Rido, also known as Gidan Ado, in Riyom Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
The global human rights organization described the incident as “horrific,” highlighting the vulnerability of rural communities across Nigeria to relentless attacks by armed groups. Amnesty’s preliminary investigation revealed that the aftermath of the attack was grim, with bodies of victims found scattered in homes, backyards, and farms. Community members spent hours retrieving the remains of their loved ones, underscoring the absence of timely intervention by the authorities.
“This horrific attack is yet another grim proof that Nigerian authorities have left rural communities at the mercy of rampaging gunmen,” Amnesty International stated.
The organization emphasized that the situation is exacerbated by a pattern of delayed or inadequate response from security forces. Victims and witnesses interviewed by Amnesty International reported that in many instances, security personnel arrived hours after the attackers had fled, leaving residents to fend for themselves during the assaults. In rare cases where security forces arrived during the attacks, they often lacked the necessary equipment or numbers to intervene effectively.
The killings in Rido are part of a troubling trend of violence in Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria, where clashes between armed groups and local communities have resulted in significant loss of life, displacement, and destruction of property. Amnesty International has repeatedly called on the Nigerian government to prioritize the safety of rural communities, strengthen security measures, and ensure accountability for perpetrators of such violence.
In its statement, Amnesty International urged the Nigerian government to take immediate and decisive action to address the security challenges plaguing rural areas. “The protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of any government. Nigerian authorities must demonstrate a commitment to ending these violent attacks by increasing security presence in vulnerable areas and ensuring justice for the victims,” the organization said.
