Amnesty International condemns northern senators for failing to table anti-bandit laws

SENATORS representing the 19 states of northern Nigeria in the National Assembly have been criticised by Amnesty International as not doing enough to protect their constituents from terrorists and bandits who are being constantly terrorised.

Over recent years, northern Nigeria has been wracked by terrorists, kidnappers and bandits, who now control large swathes of territory across several states. Last week, the hoodlums struck savagely, killing 35 innocent civilians in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

In response to the attack, the caucus of northern senators issued a statement condemning the massacre by Isah Sanusi, the director of Amnesty International in Nigeria, has dismissed the condemnation, saying it is not enough. He described the senators’ statement and condemnation as insufficient, stating that they should be taking more decisive actions in their legislative capacity.

Mr Sanusi said: “Nigerians are tired of hearing we condemn this attack. What the people want now is action on the ground. This is not the first time. These empty statements of condemnation must stop.

"Each time such incidents happen, all we hear is a press release. People in Zamfara are being killed, their belongings seized and they’re being prevented from farming. The senators should change their approach and compel the government to act.”

Yesterday, the Northern Senators’ Forum, led by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, issued a condolence message following the gruesome killing of 35 civilians in Kaura Namoda. While expressing sympathy with the affected communities and families, the forum fell short of proposing concrete legislative or security measures.

Mr Sanusi argued that Amnesty International has consistently warned about the rising violence and impunity, submitting reports to the government with no significant response. He also linked the persistent attacks to the government’s failure to prosecute suspects arrested for terrorism or banditry.

“We’ve called attention to this issue countless times. We’ve done investigations and submitted our findings, yet the problem persists because no decisive action is taken.                                                                              

“What surprises everyone is that those arrested for these crimes are rarely prosecuted. As long as Nigeria fails to bring suspects to justice, anyone could feel emboldened to rape, steal, or terrorize communities, knowing they’ll get away with it,” Mr Sanusi added.

He stressed that it is time for the Nigerian government to fulfil its constitutional duty of protecting citizens’ lives and property. In Zamfara State, the terrorists slaughtered their hostages earlier this week, despite receiving ransom payments from their families.