Benue State Under Siege: Amnesty International Condemns Escalating Attacks
Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over the escalating attacks by gunmen in Benue State, Nigeria. On March 5, 2026, at around 4:00 pm, gunmen invaded Tyungu and Yough communities in Kwande Local Government Area, killing at least 17 people.
The attack followed a disturbing pattern, with the gunmen committing atrocities, taking a break at River Tyungu, and then resuming attacks after the traumatized communities thought the atrocity was over. This has raised fears that the attackers are using a tactic of intermittent violence to maximize terror and disruption.
Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable”. He has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
However, Amnesty International is calling for more decisive action from the Nigerian authorities to protect lives and ensure justice for the victims. “The Nigerian authorities must do more to protect lives and ensure that suspected perpetrators are held to account,” the organization said.
This latest attack is part of a broader pattern of violence in Benue State, which has displaced over 500,000 people and created a humanitarian crisis. Amnesty International has documented numerous attacks by gunmen in the state, including a June 2025 attack in Yelewata that killed over 100 people.
The international community is urging the Nigerian government to take urgent action to address the security situation in Benue State and ensure accountability for the perpetrators of these attacks.
