Nigeria: Intercommunal clashes in Plateau state Jan. 23-24

Event

Clashes between herders and farmers broke out on Tuesday, January 24, and Wednesday, January 25, in the Bokkos and Bassa districts of Plateau state, leaving at least eight people dead. The attacks were likely carried out as reprisals for the theft of 350 cows in Bassa and Riyom. An increased security presence has been deployed to the area. Similar clashes are nevertheless likely in the short term.

Context

Intercommunal clashes are common in Nigeria, especially between nomadic and settled communities. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom recently reported that murder rates linked to ethnic violence in Nigeria are higher than those related to terrorism, also a major security concern in the country.

Advice

Individuals in Plateau state are advised to remain vigilant, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

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.