Amnesty International Condemns Killing Of 24 Farmers In Zamfara, Says Security Strategy Has Failed

Amnesty International has condemned the killing of at least 24 farmers by suspected bandits in Sauna Ruwan Gora Ward, Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, describing the attack as further evidence that the security measures adopted to tackle insecurity in the state are ineffective.

The rights organisation, in a statement, said the gunmen invaded the farming community and opened fire at close range on adults working on their farmlands, killing at least 24 people while several others were reported missing.

It added that some of the victims who escaped the attack sustained severe injuries during the assault.

Amnesty International said the latest killings reflected the persistent wave of violence that has continued to plague communities across Zamfara State.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns the killing of 24 farmers by bandits during an attack on Sauna Ruwan Gora Ward of Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Such killings have been going on across Zamfara State, with many communities left constantly bracing up for the next attack,” the organisation said.

According to the group, the attackers deliberately targeted farmers working on their fields, shooting at close range anyone they encountered.

“The gunmen attacked the village and went shooting at close range at any adult found working on his farm. Some farmers escaped with life-threatening injuries. This is yet another proof that whatever security strategy adopted to deal with the situation in Zamfara is not working,” Amnesty International stated.

The organisation lamented that previous military interventions had failed to halt the persistent attacks, especially in rural communities.

“Previous military interventions have failed to end the killings, especially in rural areas. The fact this attack happened at a village about 16 kilometres from Talata Mafara shows that no part of Zamfara State is safe.”

Amnesty International further revealed that residents across Zamfara have consistently reported receiving advance warnings from armed groups before attacks are carried out.

It said villagers often receive threatening phone calls demanding the payment of huge sums of money, with warnings that failure to comply would result in killings or abductions.

“Across Zamfara State, villagers described a pattern where they receive warnings ahead of attacks, including by phone, ordering them to pay huge sums of money or be killed or abducted,” Amnesty International said.

The organisation noted that years of insecurity have forced many rural residents to abandon their farmlands, worsening food insecurity and economic hardship.

“For years, in several communities, villagers said they were afraid to venture more than a few kilometres into the bush, which is preventing them from farming,” the organisation stated.

Amnesty International described the humanitarian situation in Zamfara as dire, saying the prolonged insecurity has turned everyday life into a nightmare for thousands of villagers while receiving insufficient attention from the authorities.

“The crisis in Zamfara is making life hell for villagers, yet it is clearly low down on the list of government priorities,” the organisation said.

Calling for urgent action, Amnesty International urged the Nigerian government to immediately end the cycle of violence and ensure that those responsible for the killings are identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with international standards of justice.

“These killings must stop immediately, and those suspected of criminal responsibility must be brought to justice in fair trials,” the organisation said.

It stressed that the Nigerian authorities have a constitutional and international obligation to safeguard the lives and security of all citizens, regardless of where they live.

“The Nigerian authorities have a responsibility to protect the lives of everybody in the country, including people in poor and rural communities,” Amnesty International added.