ONSA Refutes Amnesty Report on 10,217 Killings Under Tinubu
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks his second year in office, a report released by Amnesty International Nigeria has provoked considerable debate, alleging that no fewer than 10,217 individuals have lost their lives due to violent attacks across the country since May 2023.
The report attributes these fatalities to persistent assaults by armed groups and bandits, identifying Benue, Plateau, Edo, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states as the most severely impacted. According to Amnesty International, Benue recorded the highest number of casualties at 6,896, followed by Plateau with 2,630 deaths.
In a swift rebuttal, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), dismissed Amnesty International’s findings, categorizing them as “alarmist” and “inconsistent with verified data.”
Major General Adamu Garba Laka, Coordinator of the NCTC, underscored the potential dangers posed by unverified reports, cautioning that misinformation could inadvertently embolden criminal elements.
“The government acknowledges the critical role of civil society organizations in promoting accountability. However, reports of this nature must be founded on verifiable data and a nuanced understanding of the national security context. Amnesty International has been invited to a meeting aimed at reconciling discrepancies and reviewing ongoing security measures,” Major General Laka stated.
Furthermore, he advised that the report should be withheld pending a comprehensive review to prevent the dissemination of inaccurate information.
Amnesty International maintained that the Nigerian government has failed to uphold its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, asserting that the security crisis has evolved into a humanitarian emergency.
“This date marks precisely two years since President Tinubu assumed office with a commitment to enhancing national security,” remarked Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. “Regrettably, rather than witnessing improvements, violence has escalated, and new armed groups—such as Lakurawa and Mamuda—have emerged, while established factions like Boko Haram continue their activities unchecked. The government’s strategies have yet to yield tangible results.”
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The organization further revealed that over 500,000 individuals have been displaced in Benue and Plateau states, many of whom are farmers unable to access their lands or livelihoods. In Zamfara, the report indicates that 638 villages have been abandoned due to insecurity, while 725 remain under the control of bandit groups, exacerbating concerns over food security.
Residents of affected areas have expressed deep frustration, with some in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina alleging that armed groups issue financial demands via mobile communication, accompanied by threats of violence for non-compliance.
The report has elicited strong reactions from civil society groups, with several demanding immediate action from the Tinubu administration.
Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, called upon the President to use the occasion of May 29 to address the nation and apologize for the prevailing insecurity.
“The indicators of state failure are increasingly evident, yet the government appears to be proceeding with business as usual. The deteriorating security situation is deeply concerning,” he stated.
Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, voiced even harsher criticism, suggesting that the administration has yet to demonstrate effective governance. He further called upon President Tinubu to consider resignation should his government prove incapable of securing the nation.
Amid heightened tensions surrounding the report, security analyst Yemi Adeyemi urged a measured approach in evaluating the Tinubu administration’s security efforts, noting that the crisis predates the current government.
“These challenges are deeply entrenched, and no administration could reasonably be expected to resolve them overnight. Even the previous government grappled with similar difficulties. While President Tinubu is making efforts, the performance of security agencies leaves much to be desired,” Adeyemi observed.
Additionally, he criticized the inadequacy of modern surveillance infrastructure, such as long-range drones, arguing that this deficiency significantly hampers Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.
As Nigeria continues to navigate an intensifying security crisis, the discord between human rights organizations and governmental institutions regarding the true state of national safety remains pronounced—leaving millions of ordinary citizens grappling with uncertainty and vulnerability.
By PRNigeria
