06 Mar 2024 | 12:23 PM UTC
Nigeria: Further violence possible in Ukum LGA, Benue State, through late March
Further violence is possible through late March following deadly clashes in Ukum LGA, Benue State March 5.
Further violence is possible in the Ukum Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State, through at least late March after armed clashes left about 40 people dead on March 5. The violence occurred in different localities of the LGA and involved mainly rival militia groups. At least seven civilians were also killed and several others injured; some remain unaccounted for and may have been abducted. There have been reports of ransom demands. Officials have sent additional security forces to the region.
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 Ukum 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. Ukum LGA has been subject to episodes of violence in the past, including in July 2023, when attacks across villages in the area left about 20 people dead.
