By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com

08034905774

Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the alleged use of political thugs to prevent the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Ob, from entering Benue State, describing the incident as a dangerous threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.

In a statement posted on its social media platforms, the organisation said the alleged obstruction of Obi’s entourage on Gboko Road in Makurdi, the state capital, amounted to political repression and raised serious questions for the Benue State Government.

Amnesty stressed that no Nigerian requires permission or prior notification to visit any part of the country, insisting that no state should become a “no-go area” for supporters or candidates of any political party.

According to the organisation, heavily armed youths allegedly barricaded the road in what appeared to be a coordinated action that placed Obi’s entourage at risk.

“Harassment of rival candidates by state-endorsed armed vigilante groups or thugs is unlawful,” Amnesty said.

The organisation warned that growing political intolerance, incitement and other actions capable of undermining democracy must be urgently addressed ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amnesty said it had, since last year, documented what it described as disturbing levels of political repression, including alleged attempts to prevent hotels from hosting opposition political meetings and attacks on the activities of rival political parties.

It also expressed concern over what it described as inadequate efforts by the Nigerian Government and relevant authorities to prevent political repression and violence.

The rights organisation further alleged that some states were adopting an unannounced policy of using various means to shut out political opposition, while authorities had failed to investigate and prosecute suspected perpetrators of such incidents.

Amnesty called on all political parties and candidates to make opposition to violence and political thuggery an integral part of their election campaigns.

The organisation said urgent steps were needed to ensure a level playing field and protect citizens’ rights to participate freely in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The Unending Plight and Ongoing Killings in Kuyello

Your Excellency,

Mallam Uba Sani,

Executive Governor of Kaduna State,

Sir,

We write to you with heavy hearts, deep anguish, and a profound sense of urgency regarding the persistent and terrifying security breakdown in Kuyello, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.

For years, the people of Kuyello have lived under the shadow of relentless violence, abductions, and mass killings.

While we acknowledge the government’s efforts and official declarations regarding security measures and negotiated peace initiatives, the reality on the ground paints a vastly different and devastating picture.

To us, the victims on the frontline, any negotiation with these non-state armed actors has proven entirely ineffective. The reality of our daily life remains unchanged:

Daily Attacks:

Villagers are hunted, attacked, and killed in their homes and on their farms day and night.

Economic Paralysis: Our farmers can no longer access their lands without facing death or paying heavy ransoms, destroying the local agricultural economy and pushing families into famine.

Mass Displacement:

Entire families have been forced to flee, turning communities into ghost towns as basic human safety remains unassured.

Peace cannot exist on paper while blood continues to flow in our streets. The ongoing violence demonstrates that these armed bands do not respect agreements or government mandates.

Kuyello requires decisive, sustained, and direct security intervention—not unfulfilled truces that leave innocent citizens exposed to constant danger.

*Our Prayers and Demands:*

1. Permanent Security Presence:

Immediate deployment of forward operating military bases and well-equipped security posts in and around Kuyello.

2. Offensive Military Operations: An immediate shift from passive peace talks to active tactical operations aimed at neutralizing bandit strongholds in the surrounding forests.

3. Protection for Farmers and Highways:

4. Targeted security patrols to secure agricultural lands and vital transport routes to restore local livelihoods and safety.

The primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property. We appeal to your leadership, Your Excellency, to treat the situation in Kuyello as a critical state emergency before our community is wiped out entirely.

Respectfully yours,

SURAJO ISAH KUYELLO Concerned Residents and Stakeholders of Kuyello Community

Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, Kaduna State