Benue and Plateau Worst Hit as Violence Ravages 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 by violence and 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 gunmen razed over 148 villages in seven LGAs, displacing 450,000.

The attackers not only killed residents but also destroyed vital infrastructure such as clinics, schools, boreholes, grain reserves, and places of worship.

Sanusi said attacks deprive lives; survivors lose livelihoods.

Plateau State: Coordinated Attacks and Mass Displacement

Armed assailants devastated Plateau State, especially Bokkos LGA, slaughtering entire families.

Gunmen targeted Daffo, Gwande, Hurti, Manguna, and Ruwi March 27-April 2, 2025.

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).

Multiple displacements hit communities; attackers even targeted IDP camps.

Widespread Violence Across Northern States

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

Past two years: 273 killed, 467 abducted; 481 villages sacked, 529 bandit-controlled across 13

April 24, 2025: Over 20 miners killed by gunmen at Gobirawar Chali, Maru LGA.

Katsina recorded 294 deaths, 306 abductions—mostly women, girls—May 2023-May 2025.

In May 2025, gunmen overran four Isa LGA villages, displacing thousands struggling for food in Sokoto State.

New Armed Groups Fueling the Cycle of Violence

Amnesty report notes Lakurawa in Sokoto, Kebbi; Mamuda in Kwara.

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.

We and government only share post-attack media statements.

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

Amnesty accuses Nigeria of impunity, emboldening armed 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.