CSOs Criticize Nigerian Government Over Rising Violence

On the 9th National Day of Mourning, a coalition of 90 civil society organizations, including Amnesty International Nigeria and Yiaga Africa, criticized the Nigerian government for its inability to protect citizens from rising violence, killings, and abductions. The statement highlighted that since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, at least 19,980 people have been killed, and there have been 12,362 abduction incidents across Nigeria.

The coalition emphasized the government's failure to uphold its constitutional duty to protect lives and property, citing a breakdown in security and the prevalence of mass atrocities. They also condemned extrajudicial killings and the inability of security forces to disrupt kidnapping networks.

The organizations called for urgent measures to strengthen security and accountability mechanisms, urging the federal government to fulfill its constitutional obligations. The statement also referenced specific incidents, including the abduction of 82 pupils in Borno and Oyo States in May 2023.