Nigeria: Ethnic clashes reported in Benue state August 10

Event

The Benue state police confirmed reports of clashes between two ethnic groups, the Fulani herdsmen and farmers from the Akpagodogbo community, in Otukpa on Thursday, August 10. Local media reports indicate that at least three people were killed in the violence, which allegedly began when cattle belonging to Fulani herdsman destroyed crops belonging to members of the Akpagodogbo community on Wednesday night.

Other local reports claim that several people have lost their homes due to the violence, and that the local police station has been damaged. Further clashes are possible in the coming weeks as tensions between the two communities remain high.

Context

Regular clashes are reported in Benue state between farmers and herders over land disputes. The governor of Benue state has announced plans to implement an anti-open grazing law in order to curb communal violence, which has been met by resistance.

Advice

The security environment in Nigeria is complex and particularly poor in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Jigawa as well as parts of Kano and Adamawa states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.