Global human rights organisation, Amnesty International, has raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation in Zamfara State following the alleged abduction of 39 villagers by bandits during a meeting convened to discuss access to farmlands ahead of the farming season.
In a statement issued on Monday, the human rights organisation said the incident occurred in Magamar Diddi village, Maradun Local Government Area of the state.
According to Amnesty International, many rural communities in Zamfara are compelled to negotiate with armed groups controlling large swathes of territory before they can gain access to their farms.
The organisation stated that 45 villagers from Magamar Diddi attended a meeting arranged with bandits to seek permission to cultivate their farmlands.
However, the discussions reportedly took a dramatic turn when the armed men halted the negotiations and abducted 39 participants.
The remaining six villagers were said to have been instructed to return to the community and inform residents about the incident.
“Today at Magamar Diddi village in Maradun LGA, such a meeting started with 45 villagers at the agreed time. Midway into the discussions, the bandits ended the negotiations and abducted 39 people, and asked the remaining six persons to go and inform the rest of the village about the abduction,” Amnesty International said.
The rights group expressed fears for the safety of those abducted, warning that they could be subjected to torture, starvation and other forms of abuse while in captivity.
“Those abducted may face torture and starvation. This is the brutal pattern of life in many parts of 13 out of 14 local governments of the state. This is Nigeria’s forgotten conflict,” the organisation added.
Amnesty International also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing the government of failing to provide adequate protection for residents of affected communities.
The organisation said the continued inaction of authorities has left villagers vulnerable to attacks by armed groups responsible for killings, kidnappings, sexual violence and the destruction of communities.
Zamfara remains one of the states worst affected by banditry in Nigeria’s North-West region, with repeated attacks, mass abductions and violent raids forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes over the years.
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