Amnesty International has strongly criticised Nigerian authorities, accusing them of abandoning rural communities in Plateau State to relentless attacks by gunmen. The human rights body warned that government inaction continues to cost innocent lives and destroy livelihoods.
The condemnation came after a fresh attack on Monday evening, where at least 15 people were killed. Armed men invaded the villages of Tim, Koppang, Mihidihin, Jiblang, Jilem, Jibin, and Manden in Chakfem district, Mangu Local Government Area, leaving widespread devastation.
During the attack, houses were set ablaze, properties destroyed, and over 300 villagers forced to flee in search of safety.
In a statement released on Thursday, Amnesty International declared: “The Nigerian authorities must investigate the brutal assault in which 15 people were killed in Tim, Koppang, Mihidihin, Jiblang, Jilem, Jibin, and Manden villages of Chakfem district, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“The gunmen not only slaughtered those they encountered but also burnt down homes and property. Eyewitnesses told Amnesty International that more than 300 residents were displaced as a result of the violence.”
The group described the latest assault as further evidence of the vulnerability of rural communities in Plateau, which have repeatedly suffered devastating raids. It emphasised that without decisive intervention, such attacks will continue to wipe out entire communities.
Amnesty International further condemned the government for failing to curb the violence, stressing that the persistent killings expose communities to danger and perpetuate fear. According to the organisation, the consequences of inaction are evident in the heavy loss of lives, mass displacement, and ruined livelihoods.
Highlighting the scale of the crisis, Amnesty revealed that between December 2023 and February 2024, no fewer than 1,336 people were killed across Plateau State. Among the victims were 533 women, 263 children, and 540 men. In the same period, about 29,554 people were displaced, including 13,093 children and 16,461 women.
The rights group also reminded authorities of another massacre that occurred in April 2025, when at least 51 people were killed in villages within Bassa Local Government Area.
It warned that unless urgent measures are implemented, rural Plateau communities will remain trapped in a cycle of killings, displacement, and destruction.
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