08 Mar 2024 | 02:09 PM UTC
Nigeria: Further violence possible in Gwer East LGA, Benue State, through late March
Further violence is possible through late March following attacks on communities in Gwer East LGA, Benue State March 7.
Further violence is possible in the Gwer East Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State, through at least late March after armed assailants attacked several communities on March 7. Dozens of suspected herdsmen killed at least 16 individuals in the Wandor locality and razed settlements. An unspecified number of persons remain unaccounted for.
This follows armed clashes between rival militias that left about 40 people dead, including civilians, and more people kidnapped in Ukum LGA on March 5.
Over the short term, heightened security will likely be maintained across the LGA to prevent further violence, 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.
Consider deferring travel to the Gwer East LGA until the situation improves. If such travel is unavoidable, exercise extreme caution. Heed instructions issued by local authorities, including possible curfew orders. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.
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, sometimes further aggravated by religious components. Such violence often fuels rounds of reprisal attacks between various communities, leading to heavy casualty tolls.
