Amnesty International has sharply condemned the Nigerian government following a brutal attack in Plateau State that left at least 51 people dead, mostly from a Christian farming community in Zikke village, Bassa Local Government Area. The assault took place late Sunday night when armed assailants stormed the village, setting homes on fire, looting properties, and killing residents, including children and the elderly, many of whom were unable to escape the violence. Survivors discovered charred remains and blood-soaked compounds at dawn, with more bodies still being found in nearby areas.
This attack is part of a wider pattern of intercommunal violence and land disputes in Plateau State, often involving clashes between Muslim Fulani herders and predominantly Christian farmers. Factors such as population growth, climate change affecting grazing routes, and escalating ethnic and religious tensions have intensified these conflicts. Amnesty International reported that between December 2023 and February 2024, 1,336 people were killed in Plateau State alone, with tens of thousands displaced.
In response, President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the attack and called for an end to the ongoing violence, urging all parties to stop retaliatory attacks. However, Amnesty International criticized the government’s response as insufficient, pointing out that current security measures are ineffective and that mere condemnations without concrete action fail to protect vulnerable communities. The organization emphasized the government’s failure to hold perpetrators accountable, which perpetuates a culture of impunity and leaves rural populations exposed to repeated attacks.
Amnesty International is demanding independent investigations, justice for the victims, and immediate reinforcement of protection for at-risk communities. The group also calls on the government to provide adequate humanitarian aid to displaced persons and to demonstrate a genuine commitment to safeguarding lives and property beyond public statements.
This latest attack follows similar deadly incidents in the region, including recent violence in the Bokkos area of Plateau State, highlighting the ongoing security crisis in Nigeria’s central northern region. The situation underscores the urgent need for effective government intervention to restore peace and protect civilians.