THIS DAWN — Amnesty International has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of lacking an effective strategy to end years of atrocities by armed groups.
Amnesty International also criticized the Kaduna State government and the State Police Command over the denial of the attack on churches in the state by armed terrorists.
The human rights watchdog called it a “desperate attempt” to downplay the crisis bedeviling the country.
The Incident
On Sunday, 18 January 2026, armed gunmen invaded Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Area Council, Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria.
The attackers targeted three churches during worship services, abducting 166 people, including minors and pregnant women.
Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen moved from one church to another, dragging worshippers away in groups.
Human Rights Concerns
The incident highlights the persistent insecurity and impunity in Northern Nigeria.
Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the attack as another example of the failure of Nigerian authorities to protect citizens.
The organization emphasized that armed groups continue to operate freely in rural areas, terrorizing communities without effective government intervention.
Government Response
Amnesty International criticized the denial of the incident by the police and Kaduna State government as an act of irresponsibility on the part of the police and the government.
The statement accused President Tinubu’s administration of lacking an effective strategy to end years of atrocities by armed groups.
Current security measures were described as ineffective, with abductions and killings becoming alarmingly routine.
Call to Action
Amnesty International Nigeria urged the following immediate steps:
- Rescue Operations: Authorities must ensure the safe and secure rescue of all abducted individuals and reunite them with their families.
- Accountability: End the culture of impunity by investigating and prosecuting perpetrators of mass abductions and killings.
- Preventive Measures: Implement concrete and sustainable security strategies to protect vulnerable communities, especially during worship and communal gatherings.
- Transparency: Authorities must acknowledge incidents truthfully and engage with affected communities rather than denying realities.
The mass abduction at Kurmin Wali village is a grave violation of human rights.
It underscores the urgent need for Nigerian authorities to prioritize the protection of lives, especially in vulnerable areas.
Amnesty International warns that without decisive action, abductions will continue to normalize, deepening the humanitarian crisis across the country.
