05 Apr 2024 | 11:58 PM UTC
Nigeria: Suspected armed herders kill at least 21 people in Omala Local Government Area, Kogi State, April 4
Suspected armed herders kill 21 people in Omala Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria, April 4; further intercommunal attacks possible.
Suspected armed herders killed at least 21 people and wounded an unspecified number of others in Omala Local Government Area, Kogi State, April 4. The attack reportedly came in retaliation for local residents recently killing six herders. Officials have deployed a heightened security presence to the area and asserted that they would arrest those responsible for the April 4 assault. Unconfirmed reports indicate that residents of some neighboring communities fled the area following the attack.
Authorities may impose security restrictions in Omala Local Government Area, including movement controls and curfew measures, over the coming days. Localized transport and business disruptions are possible in locations that are subject to increased security. Demonstrations may materialize in the area over the short term to denounce the violence or any security measures that authorities impose. Further intercommunal violence cannot be ruled out.
Consider deferring travel to Omala Local Government Area until the situation improves. If traveling to the area is essential, exercise extreme caution and heed all instructions issued by local authorities, including any curfew orders or movement restrictions. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.
Intercommunal clashes are common in parts of Nigeria 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, leading to large casualty tolls.
