Amnesty International has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s repeated directives to security agencies to end violence across Plateau and other states, describing them as “useless” amid worsening insecurity.
The global human rights group condemned the government’s response to the persistent attacks and killings in Plateau State, accusing Tinubu’s administration of failing to take effective action to protect citizens.
In a statement posted on its verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Amnesty International denounced the recent massacre in Bindi-Jebbu, a village in Tahoss District, Riyom Local Council of Plateau State, where at least 27 people were killed on Monday.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the horrific attack on Bindi-Jebbu of the Tahoss community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State in which at least 27 people were killed on Monday,” the organisation stated.
“Entire families were locked up in their rooms and slaughtered one by one. Those who tried to escape were shot.”
Meanwhile, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has visited the affected community.
In a statement released by Dr. Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Mutfwang expressed outrage at the killings and pledged decisive action.
“Let me promise you, by the grace of God, Riyom will not fall. We will deploy every resource at our disposal to end this genocide.”
“This is not a case of farmer-herder conflict. This is terrorism; this is genocide, plain and simple. And I assure you, we will escalate this matter to the highest levels,” Mutfwang declared during his visit to the scene.
He also vowed a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s security framework to ensure those responsible for protecting lives are held accountable and act without compromise.
During the governor’s visit, Rev. Davou Musa, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Riyom Council, expressed frustration with the military’s performance, accusing some personnel of aiding the attackers.
He said, “The military has failed in its duty to protect our people,” alleging complicity and urging the Federal Government to withdraw soldiers from the area.
He also called for emergency humanitarian support for affected residents.
In response to the ongoing violence, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has reiterated its advocacy for community self-defence.
The organisation called on President Tinubu to confront what it described as a clear challenge to his ability to lead.
“Ensuring that lives and property of the good people of Plateau State are safeguarded from the violent attacks of armed non-state actors is the primary constitutional duty of government and this duty to protect and prevent these attacks lies with the office of the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu,” said HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko.
HURIWA demanded enhanced intelligence-led operations and said if government security agencies continued to fall short, local vigilantes established by Plateau State must be properly trained, equipped, and empowered to defend communities from terrorists disguising as herders.
