26 Nov 2024 | 06:35 PM UTC
Nigeria: Heightened security likely in parts of Benue State through at least late November after armed attacks kill at least 30 people Nov. 24-25
Armed attacks kill at least 30 in Logo and Katsina-Ala local government areas, Benue State, Nigeria, Nov. 24-25; increased security likely.
Authorities will likely maintain heightened security in parts of Benue State through at least late November after gunmen, suspected by local officials to be herdsmen, killed at least 30 people in the state's Logo and Katsina-Ala local government areas (LGAs) on Nov. 24-25. The assailants also reportedly looted and caused property destruction in the affected areas. The reported death toll may rise over the short term.
Officials may impose movement restrictions, including curfew measures, in areas affected by the Nov. 24-25 attacks. Protest activity denouncing insecurity may materialize in parts of Benue State over the coming days. Further intercommunal violence cannot be ruled out.
Consider deferring travel to the affected LGAs until the security situation stabilizes. If such travel is unavoidable, exercise extreme caution. Heed instructions issued by local authorities, including any curfew orders. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.
Intercommunal clashes are frequent in Nigeria's Middle Belt, particularly in Benue State, and primarily stem from land use and water rights disputes between agricultural-based communities and nomadic pastoral herders. The disputes are sometimes further aggravated by religious differences. Such violence often fuels rounds of reprisal attacks between various communities, leading to heavy casualty tolls.
Attacks in Benue can also be attributed to armed gangs, also called bandits, engaging in various criminal activities, including cattle rustling, looting, extortion, and kidnappings for ransom, among other acts. Such groups often target communities that do not comply with their demands.
