Amnesty International Condemns Killing of 15 Villagers in Sokoto, Accuses Nigerian Government of Negligence

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the brutal killing of at least 15 people by suspected Lakurawa insurgents in an attack on Kwalajiya village, located in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The attack, which occurred on Wednesday during afternoon prayers, left dozens injured and an unspecified number of people missing. In a statement shared via its official Facebook page, Amnesty confirmed that the assailants opened fire on worshippers and villagers, killing some while they were tending their farms.

“The gunmen not only shot in all directions, but also razed homes and looted shops and other properties,” the organization stated.

The violence has triggered mass displacement, with many families now seeking refuge at Sardaunan Tangaza Model Primary School. Amnesty further highlighted that residents in eastern Sokoto have been living under a constant siege by armed groups for the past two years, suffering near-daily attacks and destruction.

“Dozens of villages have been sacked, and communities are being extorted under the threat of violence,” Amnesty said. “The eastern part of Sokoto is Nigeria’s forgotten conflict.”

The group accused Nigerian authorities at both state and federal levels of gross incompetence and failing in their duty to protect lives.

“Not only has the government failed to stop these attacks, it has also failed to provide protection for communities that face repeated violence. It appears the people of eastern Sokoto have been abandoned,” Amnesty said.

The organization described the spate of killings as clear evidence of a breakdown in security and a failure to bring perpetrators to justice, which it warned is encouraging impunity.

Amnesty International is now calling on the Nigerian government to launch an independent investigation into the attacks, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure justice for victims.