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Over 2,600 Fatalities in Benue Community Assaults Within a Year, Reports Amnesty International |
Amnesty International has reported that a minimum of 2,600 individuals, predominantly women and children, have perished due to assaults on 50 communities in Benue from January 2023 to February 2024.
The organization's Programme Director, Mrs. Barbara Magaji, revealed these figures at a photo exhibition and press briefing on Wednesday in Makurdi.
Magaji also noted that 18 of the 23 local government areas in Benue are continually threatened by armed assailants.
"The ongoing attacks are severely impacting food security and livelihoods, as the targeted communities are agricultural, and the resulting displacement hinders their farming activities.
"The displacement is causing profound negative consequences on livelihood rights and is stripping thousands of children of their educational and developmental rights.
"By March 2023, the latest tally and documentation showed that the Internally Displaced Persons camps and surrounding communities were housing approximately 489,245 IDPs," stated Magaji.
She cited the state's Ministry of Education and the Teaching Service Board, which reported that no less than 55 schools have been either demolished by armed bandits or shut down due to the prevailing insecurity, leaving numerous children without access to education.
Magaji emphasized the urgency for Nigerian officials to halt the violence in Benue, as they are obligated to safeguard lives.
She insisted that it is imperative for all levels of government to investigate these assaults thoroughly and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
"Nigerian authorities are responsible for ensuring that those suspected of human rights violations are prosecuted fairly.
"Security oversights that have allowed assailants to execute attacks and evade capture must be scrutinized by Nigerian authorities.
"It is essential to provide adequate humanitarian aid to the displaced, maintain living standards, and continue the education of children," Magaji asserted.
In his message of support, the Commanding Officer of the 72 Special Forces Battalion, Lt Col. R.B. Kefas, represented by Lt Danjuma Abba, conveyed that criminal activities have been significantly reduced in the affected regions, with a commitment to continue these efforts.
The state's Commissioner of Police, Mr. Steve Yabanet, represented by Deputy Commissioner Mr. Okon Asuquo, affirmed that the police force is diligently working to minimize criminal acts to the lowest possible level in the state.
