Benue killings: You must protect lives – Amnesty International tells Nigerian gov’t

Human rights organisation, Amnesty International, has expressed deep concern over the escalating attacks by gunmen in parts of Benue State, calling on Nigerian authorities to urgently protect residents and ensure justice for victims.

The organisation made this known in a post shared on its verified X handle on Friday, condemning the recent killings in communities in Kwande Local Government Area.

According to Amnesty International, gunmen attacked the Tyungu and Yough communities on March 5, 2026, killing at least 17 people.

“Amnesty International is deeply concerned that gunmen are escalating horrifying attacks in some parts of Benue State,” the organisation said.

It added that the attackers stormed the communities at about 4:00 p.m., carrying out deadly assaults on residents.

“On 5 March 2026, at around 4:00pm, gunmen invaded Tyungu and Yough communities of Kwande local government area, killing at least 17 people,” the statement read.

The organisation further described the attack as following a disturbing pattern in which the assailants carried out their operations without immediate intervention.

“The attack on these communities followed a pattern in which gunmen had a field day committing atrocities, taking a break at River Tyungu and then resuming attacks again after traumatised communities thought the atrocity was over,” Amnesty International stated.

Amnesty International urged the Nigerian government and security agencies to take stronger steps to protect vulnerable communities and ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.

“The Nigerian authorities must do more to protect lives and ensure that suspected perpetrators are held to account,” the organisation added.

Benue killings: You must protect lives – Amnesty International tells Nigerian gov’t