Nigeria, April 6 -- Amnesty International has condemned the killing of at least 17 people in an attack on the Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, blaming Nigerian authorities for failing to protect residents from recurring violence.

In a statement on Monday, the rights organisation said gunmen invaded the village on Sunday during Easter celebrations, killing residents, injuring dozens, and setting homes and shops on fire.

"Families are still searching for those missing since the attack," Amnesty International said, noting that the incident reflects a pattern of unchecked violence in the state.

The organisation added that more than 500,000 people have been displaced by similar attacks across Benue, many o...