06 Feb 2024 | 01:37 PM UTC
Nigeria: Further violence is likely in Benue State through at least late February /update 1
Further violence likely in Benue State, Nigeria, through February following recent communal violence.
Further communal violence is likely in parts of Benue State through February. In recent weeks, violence has left dozens of people killed. The unrest has mostly occurred in and around the Agatu Local Government Area (LGA). On Jan. 31, violence left up to 15 residents dead and several others, including children, unaccounted for and believed to be kidnapped. In addition, assailants killed at least 10 people in the Otukpo LGA Feb. 3-4. The exact reason for the violence is unclear. Local accounts attribute the attacks to armed herders. Violence may spread to other parts of the state.
Heightened security is likely across the aforementioned LGAs and the wider region to prevent further violence in the short term, including retaliatory attacks from aggrieved communities. Officials could impose movement restrictions, such as curfews. Locals may also stage protests to denounce the perceived inaction to stem the violence; hotspots include Makurdi, Otukpo, and Obagaji.
Consider deferring nonessential travel to the region until the situation calms. Consult local security partners on the viability of traveling in and around the impacted locations. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. Avoid all demonstrations. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.
Communal clashes are frequent in the middle belt, particularly in Benue State, and primarily stem from land use and water rights disputes between agricultural-based communities and nomadic pastoral herders. Such violence often fuels rounds of reprisal attacks between various communities, leading to heavy casualty tolls.
