Human rights organisation Amnesty International has condemned the killing of about 71 people and the kidnapping of over 50 by bandits.

In a statement on Monday, Amnesty International lamented the waves of attack in Benue, Plateau, Kebbi and Katsina, blaming President Bola Tinubu’s government for not doing enough.

“Over a week, at least 71 people have been killed: 52 in Plateau, Kebbi 13 and Katsina 6 persons. Also, in Katsina, gunmen have abducted over 50 people. The gunmen on a rampage of bloodshed are escalating deadly attacks on rural areas where hundreds are being displaced,” said the statement.

It added, “Not only has the government failed to take the steps needed to stop these attacks that have almost become a routine, the Nigerian government had consistently failed to bring suspected perpetrators to justice through due process of law.

“Failing to hold the killers to account is increasingly emboldening impunity, sending the wrong message that there are consequences for impunity.”

According to the rights organisation, ongoing attacks on rural communities are posing the risk of a humanitarian disaster.

The attacks have already caused massive displacement and deprived people of their livelihoods. 

The statement comes amid resurgent bandit attacks in the states that have left over 100 dead.

In response to recent killings in Plateau, Mr Tinubu, who is on a “working visit” to France, has vowed to apprehend and punish those behind the bloodshed in Plateau.

In a statement by Bayo Onanuga last Saturday, Mr Tinubu “promised that the gunmen who killed many people in communities in Plateau state will be apprehended and face severe punishment under the law.”