Nigeria: Attack in Plateau state kills 19 September 7

Event

At least 19 people were killed and five wounded in an attack in Plateau state on Thursday, September 7. The village of Ancha, located near the town of Bassa, was attacked by a group Fulani herdsmen overnight on Thursday. It is reported that the assault was retaliation for the killing of a young boy. The boy had been reported missing on August 3, and was found beheaded several days later. No arrests have been made in connection to the attack.

Context

Intercommunal clashes are common in Nigeria, especially between nomadic and sedentary communities in the center of the country (Middle Belt) - e.g. in Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Kaduna, and Nassawara states - and more extensively in the south, where casualties are regularly reported. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom reported that murder rates linked to ethnic violence are ever higher than those related to terrorism, also a major security concern in the country.

Advice

Individuals present in the affected area are advised to adhere to any orders issued by local authorities and to monitor the situation.

Generally speaking, the security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Jigawa as well as parts of Kano and Adamawa states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.​