An investigation by Amnesty International (AI) in Benue State between January 2023 and February 2024 has revealed that the sustained attacks on Benue communities by armed herdsmen have led to the destruction of over 55 schools across the state, pushing hundreds of children out of school.
Programme manager of AI Nigeria, Barbara Magaji who disclosed this in Makurdi during a presentation of the research findings on the attacks in Benue said the attacks and invasion had affected over 50 communities across 18 out of the 23 local government areas of the state.
According to Magaji the attacks have significantly affected food security and livelihoods because the affected community members are farmers, and their displacement has made them unable to carry out farming activities.
She said the simultaneous attacks had killed over 2,600 persons mostly women, children and the aged, displaced scores while some women are left with the trauma of rape and killing of their loves ones in their presence while other survivors are living with permanent disabilities.
The programme manager urged the federal government to stop the attacks and conduct impartial investigation into the carnage and ensure justice for the victims, survivors and their families.
She called on security agencies to ensure that suspected perpetrators of human rights abuses in the state resulting from the attacks and killings are brought to justice through fair trial.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia said, his administration had made the Benue IDPs situation a global concern.
Represented by the director general, Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, Leo-Angelo Viashima, the governor said this was achieved through his meeting with over 50 international partners who had shown commitment to the humanitarian situation in the state.
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