Nigeria: Clashes leave 73 dead in Taraba state July 5-13

Event

Renewed inter-communal violence between the Hausa-Fulani and Yandang communities in the Lau Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba state broke out between Thursday, July 5, and Friday, July 13. At least 73 people were killed. According to local official sources, over 3000 Hausa-Fulanis have been displaced following attacks on their villages. Local police officials said that at least 50 villages were burned in the area. Further clashes are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Ethnic and sectarian clashes are common in Nigeria. Central Nigeria and adjacent areas have become the scene of almost daily clashes between farmers and the largely nomadic herders in a battle for land and resources. 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 Taraba state are advised to monitor the situation, 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 Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). It is also advisable to avoid nonessential travel to Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, and Kaduna states. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.