Benue and Plateau Worst Hit as Violence Ravages Northern Nigeria

Two years into President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria faces a deepening security and humanitarian crisis, with Amnesty International revealing that over 10,000 people have been killed in armed attacks across seven northern states June 4, 2025.

According to report on June 4, Benue and Plateau states bear the brunt of this violence, where entire villages have been destroyed, thousands displaced, and survivors left to grapple with hunger and insecurity.

Grim Toll of Violence Amid Broken Security Promises

In a damning report released recently, Amnesty International condemned the Nigerian government’s “shocking failure” to protect citizens from relentless attacks by gunmen, insurgents, and bandits.

Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, lamented that despite President Tinubu’s pledge to restore security, violence and mass displacement have only worsened.

“Today marks exactly two years since President Bola Tinubu assumed office with a promise to enhance security.

Instead, things have only gotten worse,” Sanusi stated.

“The authorities continue to fail to protect the rights to life, physical integrity, liberty, and security of tens of thousands across the country.”

Benue: Epicenter of Bloodshed and Destruction

Benue State accounts for the highest death toll, with 6,896 people killed—over two-thirds of the total fatalities documented. The violence has engulfed all 23 local government areas, with particularly brutal attacks reported in Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, and Gwer West.

Amnesty’s investigation revealed that more than 148 villages have been razed in seven LGAs, displacing approximately 450,000 people. The attackers not only killed residents but also destroyed vital infrastructure such as clinics, schools, boreholes, grain reserves, and places of worship.

“These attacks deprive people of their right to life while survivors are stripped of their livelihoods,” Sanusi said.

Plateau State: Coordinated Attacks and Mass Displacement

Plateau State has also suffered devastating coordinated assaults, especially in Bokkos LGA, where entire families were slaughtered.

Between March 27 and April 2, 2025, five communities Daffo, Gwande, Hurti, Manguna, and Ruwi were targeted.

In total, 167 rural communities across eight LGAs, including Bassa, Mangu, Jos East, and Jos South, have been attacked, resulting in over 65,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Many of these communities have been displaced multiple times, as IDP camps themselves have come under attack.

Widespread Violence Across Northern States

The crisis extends beyond Benue and Plateau. In Zamfara State, gunmen operate with near impunity.

Over the past two years, 273 people have been killed and 467 abducted, with 481 villages sacked and 529 under bandit control across 13 LGAs.

A particularly tragic incident occurred on April 24, 2025, when over 20 miners were killed at Gobirawar Chali in Maru LGA.

Katsina State has seen at least 294 deaths and 306 abductions, mostly of women and girls, between May 2023 and May 2025.

Sokoto State has also experienced a surge in violence, with gunmen overrunning four villages in Isa LGA in May 2025, displacing thousands who now struggle to feed themselves.

New Armed Groups Fueling the Cycle of Violence

Amnesty International’s report highlights the emergence of new armed groups such as Lakurawa in Sokoto and Kebbi states, and Mamuda in Kwara State.

These groups have intensified violence, leading to widespread displacement and hunger.

Farmers, once the backbone of local economies, are now unable to cultivate or sell their produce.

In Zamfara’s Dangulbi district, for example, farmers watched their sweet potatoes rot in the fields because insecurity prevented market access.

Lakurawa militants in Kebbi were responsible for at least 70 deaths in 22 attacks.

Government’s Failure and Culture of Impunity

Residents across affected states report that armed groups extort money via phone calls, threatening death for non-compliance.

Many feel abandoned by the government, which they say only issues empty media statements after attacks.

“The only relationship between us and the government is that they issue media statements after we are attacked and killed.

That is all they do,” said a resident of Maru LGA in Zamfara.

Amnesty International accuses Nigerian authorities of fostering a culture of impunity by failing to arrest or prosecute perpetrators, emboldening armed groups to escalate attacks.

Under international human rights law, governments must protect citizens and ensure justice for victims.

Amnesty warns that Nigeria’s response has fallen far short of these obligations.

“Authorities must match their words with serious and concrete action,” Sanusi urged.

“The failure to hold perpetrators accountable is fueling a cycle of impunity that is making everyone feel unsafe.”

With the nation teetering on the brink of a wider humanitarian emergency, Amnesty International is calling on President Tinubu to urgently reform security policies and end the nationwide bloodshed.

“Time is running out. Gunmen, bandits, and insurgents are ramping up attacks daily. The nationwide bloodshed must end now,” Sanusi warned.

The mounting death toll, widespread destruction, and soaring displacement in Benue, Plateau, and other northern states paint a bleak picture of Nigeria’s security landscape two years into the Tinubu administration.

Without decisive and effective intervention, the humanitarian crisis will deepen, threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions.

The international community and Nigerian authorities alike face an urgent imperative.

To restore peace, uphold human rights, and bring justice to victims before the violence spirals further out of control.