Amnesty International Nigeria has disclosed a staggering death toll of 1,336 people in Plateau State between December 2023 and February 2024, with the majority of fatalities occurring in Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.

The organisation’s revelation came during a ‘Photo Exhibition on the Impact of Conflicts and Humanitarian Situations in some Communities of Plateau State Affected by Violent Attacks,’ held in Jos. Isa Sanusi, the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, unveiled these disturbing statistics.

Sanusi highlighted that the figures, obtained through meticulous research conducted in collaboration with government agencies, painted a grim picture of the recent violence. Among the casualties were 533 women, 263 children, and 540 men. Additionally, a staggering 29,554 individuals, including 13,093 children and 16,461 women, were displaced from their homes during this period.

The director called upon the government to impartially investigate these incidents and ensure justice for the victims, survivors, and their families. Sanusi stressed the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable through fair trials and providing adequate humanitarian support to the displaced persons, particularly children.

He urged authorities to address security lapses that enabled such attacks and emphasized the need for enhanced protection measures, especially for vulnerable groups like children.

It is worth noting that the Plateau State Government had previously established a resettlement committee to facilitate the safe return of all displaced persons to their ancestral homes, reflecting ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian crisis stemming from the violence.

Amnesty International’s revelations underscore the urgent need for comprehensive action to address the root causes of conflict, ensure accountability for atrocities, and provide assistance to those affected by the ongoing violence in Plateau State.

Culled from Mathewtegha.com