Ahead of the first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, a coalition of 84 local and international Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has reported that at least 4,416 people were killed and 4,334 others were abducted in incidents of mass atrocities across Nigeria over the past year.
These figures were disclosed during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, marking the 2024 National Day of Mourning.
The CSOs emphasized that these numbers do not include regular crimes such as armed robbery and other similar offenses.
They highlighted that the rampant violence has significantly undermined the citizens’ right to life and dignity as guaranteed by Sections 33 and 34 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).
Addressing the press, Lois Auta, Founder of Cedar Seed Foundation; Martins Obono, Executive Director of TAP Initiative; and Frank Tietie, Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights, stressed that the widespread insecurity has left Nigerians in a state of fear and uncertainty, adversely affecting social cohesion, the economy, public health, and education.
The groups pointed out that the North Central region experienced the highest number of fatalities, with at least 1,600 lives lost due to terror pillages, communal clashes, and herdsmen attacks.
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The North West followed with at least 1,136 deaths, with Maradun Local Government Area in Zamfara State being particularly hard-hit, suffering at least 118 fatalities in five separate terror incidents in 2023.
In the North East, at least 904 people were killed, with Boko Haram and ISWAP activities being the primary cause of violent deaths, especially in Borno State.
The CSOs also noted inter-insurgent clashes, such as the killing of 82 Boko Haram insurgents in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Southeast recorded the highest number of killings in the Southern region, with at least 344 deaths, predominantly in Imo and Anambra states.
Additionally, the CSOs reported that at least 262 security personnel, including 110 military and 126 police officers, were killed in the line of duty.
The CSOs warned President Bola Tinubu, security service chiefs, and National Assembly representatives that their continued failure to ensure the security of lives and property would result in a significant vote of no confidence.
They urged the government to fulfill its constitutional obligations under Section 14(2)(b) to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
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