CSOs Report Rising Violence in Nigeria: 4,416 People Killed, 4,334 Abducted in One Year

A coalition of 84 civil society organizations, led by Global Rights, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Nigeria, revealing that at least 4,416 people were killed and 4,334 abducted in various attacks and conflicts over the past year. This alarming statistic was disclosed during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, May 28, to mark the 7th National Day of Mourning for victims of mass atrocities.

The coalition called on the Nigerian government to fulfill its constitutional obligations under Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, ensuring the security of Nigerians' lives and property. They urged all levels of government to address the severe socioeconomic inequities contributing to the country's violent crimes.

Global Rights' Programme Manager, Edosa Oviawe, highlighted the dire situation in Nigeria, particularly noting the significant increase in killings and abductions since the last National Day of Mourning on May 28, 2023. Oviawe emphasized the urgent need for the government to prioritize providing quality education, infrastructure, and opportunities for marginalized communities, while also improving the welfare of security personnel and cracking down on ransom payments and kidnappings.

The coalition's statement read, in part: "The National Day of Mourning is an annual citizen-led initiative to recognize and accord dignity to victims of mass atrocities, reminding us of our collective responsibility to demand justice and solidarity for all Nigerians."

The report detailed the regional impact of violence, with the North Central region experiencing the highest number of fatalities from mass atrocities, followed by the North West and North East regions. The Southeast, Southsouth, and Southwest regions also faced significant violence, with numerous deaths resulting from various forms of conflict, including terrorist attacks, communal clashes, and banditry.

The coalition expressed frustration with the government's inability to track and disrupt kidnapping and ransom rings, despite having the technology to monitor other activities. They also condemned the extrajudicial killings by state security actors and the continued impact of violence on education, food security, and economic stability in Nigeria.

As part of their demands, the coalition called on President Bola Tinubu and other government officials to take immediate and effective action to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians. They warned that failure to do so would result in a strong vote of no confidence in the current administration.

The coalition pledged to continue amplifying citizens' voices and demanding accountability from the government, reiterating their commitment to justice for the victims of mass atrocities in Nigeria.

The civil society organizations involved in the press conference included Amnesty International Nigeria, BudgIT, CLEEN Foundation, and numerous others dedicated to promoting human rights, social justice, and accountability across Nigeria.