Thursday, 27 June 2024 04:49

540 killed in two months in Benue, reports Amnesty International

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Amnesty International reported on Wednesday that at least 540 people were killed by armed invaders in rural communities of four local government areas in Benue State within the first two months of this year. The revelation was made by Barbara Magaji, the programme manager of Amnesty International, during a photo exhibition and press conference on the conflicts in Benue, held in Makurdi, the state capital.

Magaji stated that the killings occurred between January and February 18, 2024, in the local government areas of Apa, Otukpo, Agatu, and Guma. “As a result of the attacks, a total of 12,369 individuals from 2,105 households were displaced from their homes, forcing them to seek refuge in neighbouring communities. At least 540 people were killed and 149 injured due to the attacks,” she reported.

The programme manager also revealed that 55 schools were either destroyed by armed attackers or closed due to insecurity, leaving hundreds of children out of school. Additionally, periodic markets in rural communities have been attacked, destroyed, or closed following conflicts and insecurity.

Magaji explained that her presentation was based on Amnesty International’s research on frequent attacks in Benue State, highlighting that 18 out of 23 local government areas in the state have been affected by continuous attacks by armed herders. “Between January 2023 and February 2024, over 50 rural communities in Benue State recorded 135 attacks, leading to the deaths of 2,600 people, many of whom are women and children. This has left hundreds displaced, wounded, raped, and others kidnapped,” she added.

These attacks are significantly affecting food security and livelihoods, as the affected communities are predominantly farmers who are now unable to carry out their activities due to displacement. Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to protect lives and ensure that the attacks in Benue State end. They also urged for impartial investigations into the incidents to seek justice for the victims, survivors, and their families.

February 05, 2025

2 job interview red flags, according to an ex-Microsoft HR executive

Gili Malinsky During her 15 years at Microsoft, "I was looking at thousands of resumes…
February 01, 2025

Tinubu targeting opposition, not corruption — Atiku

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the…
February 02, 2025

Moving away from BMI, experts propose a new definition for obesity

A group of global experts is proposing a new way to define and diagnose obesity,…
February 01, 2025

Humans to compete against humanoid robots at half-marathon

China’s capital city of Beijing is all set to host an interesting half-marathon that will…
February 03, 2025

Gunmen kill 10 in attack on Ebonyi community – Police

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of 10 people in an attack…
February 05, 2025

What to know after Day 1077 of Russia-Ukraine war

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE Zelensky says he’s ready for talks with Putin Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has…
February 03, 2025

OpenAI introduces new AI tool to assist in research tasks

Leading generative artificial intelligence company OpenAI unveiled a new AI tool on Sunday named "Deep…
January 08, 2025

NFF appoints new Super Eagles head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Prof Wale Are Olaitan: Editorial Consultant; Femi Kawonise: Head, Production & Administration; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.