Amnesty International has condemned the Federal Government over its failure to protect the people of Sokoto State following the killing of at least 15 people by suspected insurgents in Kwalajiya village, Tangaza Local Government Area.
In a statement shared on its Facebook page, Amnesty revealed that the attackers, identified as Lakurawa insurgents, stormed the village on Wednesday during afternoon prayers and opened fire on worshippers. Some victims were also killed on their farms.
The human rights group reported that dozens were injured, while several others remain missing. Homes were burnt, shops looted, and the attack has triggered widespread displacement, forcing survivors to take shelter at Sardaunan Tangaza Model Primary School.
Amnesty International expressed deep concern over what it called the government’s continued neglect of communities in eastern Sokoto, describing the region as “Nigeria’s forgotten conflict.”
“For over two years, people in this area have lived under the constant threat of gunmen. Dozens of villages have been sacked. Some are even given ultimatums to pay bandits or face deadly attacks,” the statement said.
Amnesty accused both federal and state authorities of failing to act, saying their inaction amounts to “gross incompetence and a total disregard for human life.”
“The inability of authorities to stop these attacks or hold anyone accountable is fueling impunity,” the group added.
It called on the Nigerian government to launch an independent investigation into the killings and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The attack adds to growing concerns over rising insecurity in northern Nigeria, where rural communities have been repeatedly targeted by bandits and insurgent groups.
