Nigeria: Deadly intercommunal clashes in Plateau state September 2 /update 2

Event

On the evening (local time) of Sunday, September 2, suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked the village of Latya (Plateau state). According to local sources, at least 13 people were killed and several more injured in the attack. Further intercommunal clashes are possible in Plateau state in the near-term. 

Context

Intercommunal clashes are common in Nigeria. Central Nigeria has become the scene of almost daily clashes between farmers and largely nomadic herders in a battle for land and resources. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has 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 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.