Amnesty International has underscored the concerning prevalence of abductions in Nigeria, highlighting the recent incident in Buda, Kaduna State, where gunmen abducted over 60 individuals.
Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, emphasized the imperative for President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian government to promptly address the escalating trend of abductions, particularly targeting children in schools and internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps across the northern region.
“In the past ten days alone, nearly 700 individuals have fallen victim to abductions in Borno, Kaduna, and Sokoto states,” according to reports received by Amnesty International.
The organization further noted a distressing frequency of such incidents, with daily reports emanating from regions like Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger states.
“These abductions not only instil fear among communities but also disrupt educational pursuits, compelling parents to withdraw their children from schools.
“The persistent failure of Nigerian authorities to effectively curb these abductions poses a significant threat to education, as numerous schools are forced to close and educators abandon their posts in rural areas.
“Urgency is paramount, as the authorities are urged to fulfil their legal obligation to safeguard lives and ensure the safe release of hundreds held in captivity.
“Failure to bring perpetrators to justice not only fosters an environment of impunity but also exacerbates the risk to lives,” Sanusi said.
Amnesty International’s documentation shows a troubling pattern of security lapses and governmental inaction, which has facilitated these abductions.
“The Tinubu administration is urged to swiftly prioritize the security and safety of all citizens as a matter of public policy.”
The organization said the protection of human lives must remain paramount, requiring decisive action from the government to address this pressing humanitarian crisis.
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