Amnesty International has condemned the killing of at least 24 people during an attack by bandits on the Debe community in Shanga LGA of Kebbi.

According to residents displaced by the violence, attackers struck the community on the evening of Easter Sunday, Amnesty International noted in a statement on Friday.

“The killers were on a rampage. During the attack, they killed Muslims, Christians and followers of traditional religion,” a resident told Amnesty International. “They killed every human being they came across.”

Several homes were also burned in Debe, leaving many families without shelter.

A Catholic church, an outstation of Sacred Heart Parish Shafa, was completely razed, according to a rights organisation. It added that at least 14 shops belonging to local traders were also set ablaze, destroying goods and livelihoods.

“The attack displaced many residents, forcing families to flee their homes and seek safety in nearby communities. Amnesty International calls on the Nigerian authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation and ensure that those suspected to be responsible are brought to justice.

“The authorities must also provide protection and urgent humanitarian assistance to displaced residents and adequate support to rebuild their lives,” said the statement.