The Director of Amnesty International in Nigeria, Isah Sunusi, has criticized the recent statement of condemnation made by Northern senators following the massacre of 35 civilians in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

In an interview with news media on Wednesday, Sunusi described the senators’ statement and condemnation as insufficient, stating that they should be taking more decisive actions in their legislative capacity.

He expressed frustration at the recurring cycle of verbal condemnations without tangible outcomes.

“Nigerians are tired of hearing ‘we condemn this attack.’ What the people want now is action on the ground,” Sunusi said.

“This is not the first time. These empty statements of condemnation must stop. Each time such incidents happen, all we hear is a press release. People in Zamfara are being killed, their belongings seized, and they’re being prevented from farming. The senators should change their approach and compel the government to act.”

On Wednesday, the Northern Senators’ Forum, led by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, issued a condolence message following the gruesome killing of 35 civilians in Kaura Namoda. While expressing sympathy with the affected communities and families, the forum fell short of proposing concrete legislative or security measures.

Sunusi argued that Amnesty International has consistently warned about the rising violence and impunity, submitting reports to the government with no significant response.

“We’ve called attention to this issue countless times. We’ve done investigations and submitted our findings, yet the problem persists because no decisive action is taken.”

He also linked the persistent attacks to the government’s failure to prosecute suspects arrested for terrorism or banditry. “What surprises everyone is that those arrested for these crimes are rarely prosecuted. As long as Nigeria fails to bring suspects to justice, anyone could feel emboldened to rape, steal, or terrorize communities, knowing they’ll get away with it.”

Amnesty International stressed that it is time for the Nigerian government to fulfill its constitutional duty of protecting citizens’ lives and property.

UGAMATV reports how bandits slaughtered several hostages in Zamfara earlier this week, despite receiving ransom payments from their families.

Zamfara remains one of the Nigerian states massively affected by banditry and ransom kidnappings.