Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over the tragic killing of at least 51 people in Zikke village, located in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing it as a glaring and inexcusable security failure.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday, between 12:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m., when heavily armed gunmen stormed the village, leaving behind a trail of bloodshed and destruction.
According to Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, the attackers not only killed residents but also burned down homes and looted properties, wiping out entire communities.
“Many victims, including children and the elderly who couldn’t escape, were brutally killed. This massacre, coming just two weeks after another attack claimed 52 lives, shows a pattern of negligence and failure to act by the authorities,” Sanusi said.
He emphasized that routine condemnations from government officials are no longer enough. “We need to see real actions — security that works, justice for victims, and accountability for those behind these attacks,” he added.
Sanusi also challenged the effectiveness of President Bola Tinubu’s current security strategy, noting that despite promises of reform, lives continue to be lost at an alarming rate.
Between December 2023 and February 2024 alone, over 1,300 people were killed in Plateau, with women and children making up a significant portion of the casualties. The violence also displaced nearly 30,000 people.
Amnesty International warned that without immediate and concrete interventions, the wave of violence in Plateau could worsen, threatening more lives and deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Stay informed and raise your voice — follow NIGPOST for updates on security and justice efforts across Nigeria.
Leave a Reply