In recent weeks, Amnesty International a globally respected human rights organization has come under intense criticism from certain Nigerian influencers, Islamic clerics, and even government officials, particularly from Northern Nigeria.
The Independent Mirror reports that this backlash followed the organization’s publication of a report stating that over 10,000 people have been killed in Nigeria within the past two years.
The report highlights 6,896 deaths in Benue, 2,630 in Plateau, and the displacement of 638 villages in Zamfara by armed groups.
The controversy began when Dan Bello, a China-based Nigerian content creator, accused Amnesty International of serving foreign interests and promoting propaganda claims made without presenting any verified evidence.
His accusations, aimed at impressing his followers, quickly gained traction, prompting a wave of condemnation from religious figures and social media users who often reject any information associated with “the West,” without proper scrutiny.
Let it be clear: Amnesty International is not a foreign-backed organization bent on destabilizing Nigeria. Rather, it is a globally recognized NGO founded in London on May 28, 1961, by Peter Benenson, with the mission of promoting and protecting universal human rights.
From campaigning for the release of political prisoners to speaking out against extrajudicial killings and state-sponsored violence, Amnesty International has consistently championed justice even when it meant standing against powerful political interests.
Where were these clerics and critics when Amnesty International defended Hamdiyya against the Sokoto State Governor, who allegedly attempted to silence her?
Very few spoke out, while most remained silent, likely due to their political ties or personal benefits from government patronage.
Instead of supporting justice, they allowed misinformation to flourish and their followers to suffer under a system that they refused to question.
Why do religious leaders stay silent when bandits massacre communities in Katsina, Sokoto, and Benue? Why is their outrage so selective? Many only speak when an issue fits their personal or political narrative.
Amnesty International has also consistently condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, labeling them for what they are human rights violations and, arguably, genocide.
Yet, the same clerics criticizing Amnesty today have remained notably silent on Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has threatened to arrest any individual protesting against Israel.
Why? Perhaps due to fear of losing Saudi funding or being banned from performing Hajj.
This is 2025. Nigerians, especially the youth are becoming more politically and socially aware. Clerics and influencers can no longer manipulate public opinion with half-truths or silence.
If anyone disagrees with Amnesty International’s findings, they are free to publish a counter-report backed by facts and data not engage in online smear campaigns or emotional blackmail.
In the end, truth does not fear scrutiny. And Amnesty International, for all its faults, remains one of the few organizations bold enough to challenge abuses of power, speak for the voiceless, and confront oppression no matter where it comes from.
Zubair is a journalist and columnist based in Kano, Nigeria.
