By Seyi Babalola

Amnesty International has condemned the massacre of at least ten persons in Mbalom, Gwer East Local Government Area, Benue State, seeing the atrocity as part of Nigerian authorities’ persistent failures to safeguard civilians.

The Easter celebration on Sunday took a tragic turn when gunmen attacked the community, murdering residents, wounding scores, and burning homes and shops, while relatives continue to seek missing people.

In a statement on Monday via its official handle, the organisation said, “Gunmen invaded the village on Sunday while Easter celebrations were ongoing, leaving dozens of people severely injured.”

It added that “apart from killing people, the gunmen also set many homes and shops on fire,” stressing that the situation reflects a broader pattern of insecurity in the state.

The group further criticised the government’s response, stating, “The Nigerian authorities have failed the people of Benue State again and again,” and noted that “frequent attacks by gunmen have deprived thousands of people of their rights to life, physical integrity, liberty, freedom of movement and access to livelihoods.”

It added that more than 500,000 people have been displaced in the state, many living in camps with limited access to water, sanitation, food, and healthcare.

The attack in Mbalom is part of a wider wave of violence that disrupted Easter celebrations across northern Nigeria.

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