Amnesty International says the abduction of at least 160 people in Kuchi, a village in Munya LGA of Niger, indicates the failure of President Bola Tinubu’s government to protect lives.

“Amnesty International is deeply concerned by the abduction of over 160 people by gunmen in Kuchi village, Munya local government area of Niger State,” the rights organisation said in a statement on Sunday. “The invasion of the village by the gunmen is yet another indication of the Nigerian authorities’ utter failure to protect lives.”

It added, “Frequent mass abductions and killings are clear evidence of failure of authorities to protect the people.”

Lamenting abduction and rape of women by terrorist in Kuchi village for over three years, Amnesty International said, “Since 2021, gunmen have been consistently attacking Kuchi village and raping women and girls in their matrimonial homes. From time to time, the gunmen demand millions of naira as ransom from the people to avoid being kidnapped.”

Boko Haram militias, in a raid that lasted several hours, killed eight and 160 kidnapped in Kuchi village.

The attack on Kuchi town came barely a week after bandits dressed in military abducted about 20 people in the Dawaki community in Abuja.

Similarly, last week Monday, bandits raided and killed at least 40 people at Zurak, a village in the Wase LGA of Plateau.

President Bola Tinubu’s government, which will mark its one year in office on May 29, has come under public criticism amid waves of violent attacks by bandits and Boko Haram. 

Opposition leader Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party condemned the attacks in a statement, saying they exposed the propaganda and lies of Mr Tinubu’s government.

Also lamenting rising insecurity in the country, Peter Obi of the Labour Party urged Mr Tinubu to wake up to its responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of Nigerians following the Plateau attack that left many dead.