Nigeria: 30-60 killed in Adawama state November 19-20

Event

Unidentified armed men believed to belong to the local Bachama ethnic community launched attacks against nomadic herders in the Numan area of Adawama state (northeast) on Sunday, November 19. Fighting, which continued throughout Monday, resulted in the deaths of at least 30 cattle herders, with conflicting reports putting the death toll as high as 60. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the attacks were the result of ongoing tensions between locals and the Fulani herders. An investigation is currently underway.

Context

Intercommunal clashes are common in Nigeria, especially between nomadic and sedentary communities. These kinds of clashes have been known to break out in the central Middle Belt region - e.g. in Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Kaduna, and Nassawara states - as well as in the south, where casualties are regularly reported. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom reported that murder rates linked to ethnic violence are higher than those related to terrorism, also a major security concern in the country.

Advice

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.