…says politically motivated to ignite religious crisis

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, Friday, faulted Amnesty International’s report on over 10,217 people killed in Plateau and Benue States in the past two years under the Tinubu-led administration.

The CNG made the statement during a press conference held in Abuja, where the National Coordinator, CNG, Jamilu Charanchi, in an address s
accused Amnesty International of being politically motivated to reel out the figures, and pointed out that the report failed to include Borno, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto States where serious killings are going on, but singled out Plateau and Benue States.

Charanchi also said the report is a ploy to destabilize the peace in the North and also trigger religious war between Christians and Muslims, hence, Nigerians should discard the report.

He also queried that even in war-tone countries do not have such figures Amnesty International has reported, and he said they will soon release their own figures, he claimed to be the true figures, and not just on Plateau and Benue States.

He said: “We gather here today under the banner of the Coalition of Northern Groups to address a grave concern that threatens the fabric of our society and the unity of our diverse communities. It has come to our attention that there are orchestrated plans aimed at sowing discord between Northern Nigerian Muslims and Christians. This alarming development not only undermines our shared values but also poses a significant threat to the peace and stability of our region.

“Recent reports from international human rights organizations, particularly Amnesty International, have raised red flags regarding the escalating violence in our communities.

“They claim that over 10,217 people have been killed in the past two years since the current government assumed power, with a staggering 6,896 fatalities in Benue State alone and 2,630 in Plateau State.

“However, we must express our deep concern regarding the lack of transparency in these figures. Amnesty International has failed to provide credible sources for these statistics, leading us to believe that they may have deliberately inflated the numbers to portray Christians as the primary victims in this ongoing crisis.

“It is regrettable that Amnesty International would attempt to revise historical narratives concerning the notable achievements of the federal government in combating insecurity.”

According to him, since the current administration came on board there is improved security in parts of the north.

“The current security landscape reflects significant improvements, allowing citizens to traverse routes such as Abuja to Kaduna and onward to Gusau and Katsina with a sense of safety.

“This progress underscores the effectiveness of governmental strategies in addressing security challenges, fostering an environment conducive to travel and economic activity.

“Acknowledging these successes is crucial for a balanced understanding of the ongoing efforts to enhance national security and promote public confidence in governmental initiatives.”

He further stated that, “It is imperative to understand that the narrative being pushed by Amnesty International is not only misleading but also dangerous. It serves to deepen the divisions between our communities at a time when we should be fostering dialogue and understanding.

“The Coalition of Northern Groups believes that such misrepresentation of facts is a disservice to the truth and an affront to the dignity of all Nigerians, regardless of their religious affiliations.

“In the lead-up to elections in Nigeria, a recurring strategy among politicians lacking substantive performance records is to divert attention through accusations against the incumbent government, particularly concerning insecurity.

“This tactic was notably evident in 2024, when an assassination attempt involving explosives was orchestrated against a political candidate, seemingly to elicit public sympathy and bolster his electoral prospects.

“Such manipulative actions not only undermine the integrity of the political process but also distract from critical discourse on governance and accountability, ultimately eroding public trust in democratic institutions.

“We call for a comprehensive review of the operations of organizations like Amnesty International in Nigeria. We believe that their continued presence and influence may do more harm than good, and we advocate for a ban on their activities within our borders. It is time for us to take a stand against the manipulation of narratives that seek to pit us against one another.”

However, the CNG urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and united in the face of these challenges.

“We must not allow external forces to dictate the terms of our coexistence. Instead, let us come together as one people, embracing our diversity while standing firm against any attempts to divide us. The Coalition of Northern Groups is committed to promoting peace, understanding, and collaboration among all Nigerians, regardless of their faith.

“Moreover, we cannot ignore the accusations leveled against certain foreign entities by a member of the U.S. Congress, who has alleged that these organizations are complicit in the creation and financing of Boko Haram and other insurgent groups.”

He also added that, “This raises serious questions about the motives behind the reports being disseminated by Amnesty International and similar organizations. Are they genuinely concerned about human rights, or are they pursuing a more insidious agenda aimed at destabilizing our nation?”

Meanwhile, according to Group, “The crisis in Benue State, as articulated by prominent leaders such as George Akume, has roots that extend beyond mere religious conflict. The creation of armed forest guards by former Governor Samuel Ortom has exacerbated tensions, and the lingering misunderstandings between the current governor and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation only serve to complicate matters further.

“In light of these developments, we urge the federal government to respond with decisiveness. This call to action underscores the perceived threats to national sovereignty and regional stability that international organizations may pose when they exceed their mandates.

“The CNG emphasizes that the activities of Amnesty International can inadvertently undermine local governance structures and disregard the cultural and political contexts of African nations.

“Consequently, the CNG calls upon all African nations to critically evaluate the operations of such organizations within their borders. It advocates for a suspension of activities until these entities commit to respecting local contexts and frameworks.

“This approach not only seeks to safeguard national interests but also aims to foster an environment where international cooperation can thrive without compromising the autonomy and integrity of sovereign states.”