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| Tinubu faces growing criticism over security. |
Amnesty International has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu for not keeping Nigerians safe from deadly attacks by Boko Haram and armed bandits. The rights group said the president’s duty to protect lives is being ignored as fresh violence sweeps rural areas .
This week alone, at least 54 people died in separate attacks across Benue, Borno, Kwara and Zamfara states. More villagers were abducted or driven from their homes by gunmen .
Amnesty International noted that Boko Haram fighters have stepped up raids on farming communities in the northeast. They kill, loot and burn houses in villages far from military posts .
In parts of Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina, bandit gangs now set up checkpoints. They demand cash levies from survivors before they can travel or trade .
The rights body said these acts show no serious plan by the government to end years of bloodshed. It called the president’s security strategy a failure .
Gunmen in the north now ride motorcycles in groups of 20 or more. They strike at midday, when villagers gather in fields or at water points .
In a statement released on Saturday, Amnesty International said the government’s response is too slow and too weak. It urged urgent reforms in military tactics and leadership .
The statement said, “People should not live in fear of the next raid or kidnapping. Every time one attack ends, another follows. Citizens are at the mercy of gunmen” .
In a separate report, Amnesty highlighted a recent attack in Zamfara’s Dan Gulbi district. At least 20 were killed at a gold mine and in homes. Many more were injured and left with no shelter .
That assault shows how armed groups exploit weak security. Local residents often need armed escorts to leave their villages safely .
Bandit levies now total millions of naira. In one case, gangs in Zamfara took ₦172.7 million from communities that help security forces .
The carve-out of funds by criminals hits farmers hard. It raises food prices and drives some people to abandon fields .
Amnesty said the government must hold bandits to account and stop them from rooting in these areas. It called for clear rules and firm action .
President Tinubu has publicly condemned waves of killings. He met with security chiefs and ordered swift action against Boko Haram and bandits .
After a high-level meeting, Mr. Tinubu told reporters, “The killing of innocent people must end now. Enough is enough” .
He vowed to deploy more troops and to set up new security posts in troubled zones. He said no area is beyond the reach of law .
But local officials say promises must turn into facts. Many checkpoints still lack radios, fuel or troops to staff them .
Experts say a top-down order is not enough. They argue that military tactics need local intelligence and better training for officers .
Nigeria’s military has made gains against Boko Haram in recent years. But insurgents have splintered into rival cells that strike unpredictably .
In the northwest, bandit gangs once focused on kidnappings. Now they attack at will, burn homes and force villagers to pay for protection .
Civilians say they feel trapped. Roads are unsafe, and traders fear losing goods or lives if they venture out without armed escorts .
Human rights lawyers say the government must protect rural users of public roads. They want free patrols, night-watch groups and mobile clinics to build trust .
Analysts add that poor pay and low morale among troops can weaken efforts. They call for better pay, housing and equipment for soldiers .
International partners have sent training teams and funds. But aid groups warn that funding alone cannot solve poor coordination among agencies .
Amnesty International urged the president to set up an independent commission. It would track attacks, hold leaders to account and publish weekly stats .
The body also asked for safe zones where aid can reach displaced families. Many villages have no healthcare or schools after raids .
Civil society groups joined the call. They said Tinubu’s government must act now to stop a slide into deeper crisis .
Citizens on social media echoed the plea. They demand that the president visit afflicted zones and meet survivors face to face .
With campaigning for local polls due soon, security is set to dominate debates. Voters may judge parties by how they protect towns and farms .
As violence rises, the lives of millions hang in the balance. Amnesty International warns that there is little time left to reverse these trends .