Amnesty International Nigeria has raised alarm over the continued abduction of more than 150 villagers—including men, women, and children—from Kyambarawa, Madaro, Maguru, and Janbako communities in Zamfara State, who are currently being held in dire conditions by armed bandits.
In a strongly worded statement, the human rights organisation described the conditions in which the abductees are being held as “deplorable,” citing lack of food, water, and medical care—even for those in critical need. Victims, according to Amnesty, are reportedly subjected to routine torture and other forms of ill-treatment.
“The people of Zamfara have been abandoned and forgotten,” Amnesty International stated. “They remain at the mercy of armed groups that continue to raze villages, kill residents, rape women and girls, and loot properties with impunity.”
The organisation criticised the Nigerian government for its failure to protect the lives of citizens in Zamfara, calling it a repeated dereliction of both national and international obligations.
Amnesty stressed that Nigerian authorities must take urgent steps to secure the release of the abducted villagers and ensure the safety and dignity of all citizens, without discrimination.
