Amnesty International has criticised President Bola Tinubu for failing in his constitutional role of protecting Nigerians, lamenting the killing spree by Boko Haram, while bandits impose levies on citizens.

Amnesty International said in a statement on Saturday that Mr Tinubu was failing to protect lives.

The AI said, “This week, at least 54 people have been killed in separate attacks in Benue, Borno, Kwara and Zamfara states. More people have been abducted or displaced. Nigerian government is increasingly failing to protect lives, as gunmen escalate attacks with impunity.”

The human rights organisation said the waves of attacks on rural communities showed that Mr Tinubu security strategies were not working, adding “Gunmen have been slaughtering, sacking and razing farming communities in Benue and Plateau states. In parts of Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina states, bandits are applying brutal rules and imposing levies collected at gunpoint.

“The latest attacks on rural communities show that President Bola Tinubu and his government have no effective plan for ending years of atrocities by armed groups, while gunmen are wantonly having a free reign of bloodshed across many parts of Nigeria. Whatever security measure being implemented by the government are not working.’’

Urging Mr Tinubu to tackle lingering insecurity issues in the country, Amnesty International said, “Given the rising level of insecurity in Nigeria today, it is obvious that protecting lives and property is low on the list of government priorities. People should not be left to live in fear of the next attack or abductions. After every attack, more attacks follow — again and again. People have been left at the mercy of gunmen.”

Mr Tinubu has condemned waves of killings across the country in recent times, charging security agencies to go after Boko Haram, bandits and gunmen raiding communities.

After a meeting with security agencies earlier in the week, Mr Tinubu demanded urgent action to end the escalating violence in Borno, Benue, Plateau and Kwara states.

Mr Tinubu said, “The killing of innocent people in Borno, Benue and Plateau states must cease,” noting that enough was enough on widespread killings across the country under him.