Nigeria: Nationwide demonstrations on May 22 /update 1

Event

Catholic officials have called for nationwide protests to take place on Tuesday, May 22, to protest recent attacks on members of the Catholic community. The protests are set to coincide with the burial of 19 Catholics killed by suspected herdsmen on April 24. A heightened security presence, and associated traffic disruptions are likely in the vicinity of any gatherings. Further attacks against Christians in the coming weeks also remain possible.

Context

Nineteen people, including two priests, were killed by suspected herdsmen in Benue state on April 24. The attack reportedly took place at a church in Ayar-Mbalom (Gwer East local government area); according to local officials, the gunmen also set some 50 houses ablaze and looted buildings in the community. On May 6, sit-ins at places of worship were organized nationwide, to accuse the government of failing to prevent attacks by herdsmen on members of the Catholic community.

Advice

Individuals in Nigeria are advised to remain vigilant and avoid all protests as a precaution.

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.