Amnesty International condemns mass abductions in Nigeria, urges government action

Amnesty International has condemned the recent mass abductions in Nigeria, labelling them a “shocking indictment” of the government’s persistent failure to protect its citizens from armed groups.

The human rights organization highlighted the abduction of over 400 displaced people in Borno state and 287 students and teachers in Kaduna state, emphasizing the authorities’ inability to curb the rampant attacks that have claimed thousands of lives over the past five years.

Isa Sanusi, the Nigeria Director of Amnesty International, stated, “The latest mass abductions clearly show President Bola Tinubu and his Government have no effective plan for ending years of atrocities by armed groups and gunmen that are increasingly having a free reign across many parts of Nigeria.”

Amnesty International criticized the security measures implemented by President Tinubu, asserting that they are failing.

The organization underscored the rising insecurity in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for the government to prioritize protecting lives and property.

Sanusi remarked, “People should not be left to live in fear of the next attack or abduction. The Nigerian authorities’ consistent failure to protect people is unacceptable and must end.”

In the wake of the recent abductions, Amnesty International called on the Nigerian government to take immediate measures to secure the safe release and return of those abducted, conduct thorough and transparent investigations into the recurring cases of abductions, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice in fair trials.

The organization also demanded accountability for those with command responsibilities for security in the affected areas.

The recent spate of abductions includes the seizure of over 400 Internally Displaced Persons, mainly women and children, from various displaced camps in Gamboru Ngala, Borno state, by suspected Boko Haram fighters on March 3.

Additionally, on March 7, at least 287 students and teachers were abducted in Kaduna state.

Amnesty International highlighted the failures of the Nigerian authorities to implement adequate security plans for schools in vulnerable areas, leading to a decline in school enrollment and posing a significant setback for girls’ education.

The organization urged the government to prioritize creating a safe learning environment for children and address the risks of further abductions in the country.