By Modupe Gbadeyanka
President Bola Tinubu has been charged to make efforts to curtail the killing of Nigerians by some hoodlums, emphasising that it was becoming embarrassing.
The Acting Nigeria Director of Amnesty International, Mr Isa Sanusi, said since Mr Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, no fewer than 123 persons have been killed by gunmen in the country.
Mr Sanusi described the incessant gunmen attacks as horrific, tasking the Nigerian authorities to ensure the safety of citizens.
“It is horrific that attacks by gunmen have claimed at least 123 lives mere weeks after President Bola Tinubu assumed office on 29 May. Rural communities, always bracing themselves for the next bout of violence, are facing deadly attacks by rampaging killers.
“Protecting lives should be the utmost priority of the new government. The Nigerian authorities must urgently take steps to stop the bloodletting,” he said.
“The brazen failure of the authorities to protect the people of Nigeria is gradually becoming the ‘norm’ in the country. The government said it would enact security measures in response to these attacks, but these promises have not translated into meaningful action that protects the lives of vulnerable communities.
“The Nigerian authorities have also consistently failed to carry out independent, effective, impartial and thorough investigations into these killings — and this is fuelling impunity.
“The Nigerian authorities are obliged under international human rights law, regional human rights treaties and Nigeria’s own constitution to protect the human rights of all people without discrimination — and that includes the right to life.
“Those suspected of criminal responsibility for these callous crimes must urgently be brought to justice in fair trials,” he added.
