Nigeria: Deadly intercommunal clashes in Kaduna state Oct. 18

Event

Officials confirm at least 55 people died in intercommunal clashes in Kasuwan Magani (Kaduna State) on Thursday, October 18. Police deployed to the area arrested 22 people in connection with the clash and enforced a 24-hour curfew. A heightened security presence is to be anticipated in the area over the coming days. Nevertheless, further clashes remain possible in Kaduna state in the near-term.

Context

Intercommunal clashes in Nigeria are common. As many as ten people died in Kasuwan Magani following violent clashes between rival youth groups in February 2018.

Advice

Individuals in Kaduna 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.