Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
5 minutes read. Updated 8:31PM GMT Fri, 23August, 2024

In a tragic development from Nigeria’s north-central region, at least 13 farmers were brutally murdered by armed men in an attack that has sent shockwaves through the area. The incident occurred on Wednesday in Niger State, a region currently embroiled in violent conflicts.
Local government official Akilu Isyaku reported the grim news to Crystal FM, revealing that herders and kidnappers are suspected to be behind the attack. The farmers were allegedly targeted due to their role in supplying intelligence about the movements of the gunmen to local security agencies. This suspicion underscores the escalating tension and deep-seated animosity between the various factions in the region.
North-central Nigeria has long been a hotspot for violent clashes between nomadic herders and rural farmers, driven by competition over water and land resources. This year alone, hundreds have lost their lives in these ongoing disputes. Historically, these confrontations were marked by physical altercations with sticks, but the current violence is fueled by firearms that have been smuggled into the country. Both sides accuse the government of injustice and marginalization, which has further exacerbated the conflict. Additionally, religious tensions have emerged, with militias forming along religious lines—primarily between the predominantly Muslim herders and the Christian farming communities.
The region’s instability is further compounded by frequent kidnappings. Last week, gunmen abducted at least 20 students in an ambush in Benue State, highlighting the pervasive insecurity. Armed groups exploit the limited security presence, carrying out attacks on villages and major roads with impunity. Most kidnapping victims are released only after their families’ pay ransoms that can reach thousands of dollars.
The pattern of violence is disturbing and persistent. In December, a devastating attack resulted in the deaths of at least 140 residents across more than a dozen communities, emphasizing the urgent need for effective intervention and security measures.
For further information on the ongoing crisis in Nigeria and its impact on local communities, please refer to these sources:
BBC News on Nigerian Security Issues
Al Jazeera’s Coverage of Northern Nigeria Conflicts