The Coalition of Northern Groups(CNG), representing youths from the 19 Northern States, has dismissed the recent report of Amnesty International in Nigeria, describing it as “misleading and dangerous.”
Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, National Coordinator, CNG, who stated this on Friday in Abuja, at a media briefing, called on the Federal Government to ban the activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria.
It would be recalled that Amnesty International had on Thursday this week revealed that since President Bola Tinubu assumed office two years ago, more than 10, 217 people have been killed in attacks by armed groups across several northern states, with Benue recording the highest death toll of 6,896 fatalities, followed by Plateau State with at least 2,630 deaths.
Amnesty International also lamented that the crisis has escalated despite promises from the present government to improve security, safeguard lives and property of Nigerians.
Reacting to Amnesty Report, the CNG queried the source of the statistics, saying that it was intended to sow seeds of discord between Northern Nigerian Muslims and Christians in the two States of Benue and Plateau.
Charanchi alleged that the Report was politically motivated and sponsored by those who do not mean well for Nigeria.
According to him, “Recent reports from international human rights organisations, particularly Amnesty International, have raised red flags regarding the escalating violence in our 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.
“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.”
The CNG also decried the failure of Amnesty International to acknowledge the improvements recorded by the present administration in the fight against Boko Haram and other insurgent groups.
According to CNG, “It is regrettable that Amnesty International would attempt to revise historical narratives concerning the notable achievements of the federal government in combating insecurity.
“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.
“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.”
The Coalition of Northern Groups, therefore, called on the Federal Government to embark on a comprehensive review of the operations of Amnesty International in Nigeria, adding that “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.”
