Nigeria: Unidentified gunmen kill 14 people in Rukuba (Plateau state) Sep. 27

Event

Unidentified gunmen launched an attack in the Rukuba area (Plateau state) on the night (local time) of Thursday, September 27, killing at least 14 people. Youths reportedly staged a protest and erected roadblocks in the area on the morning of Friday, September 28, over the alleged slow response of security forces to the attack; security forces have since dispersed the protesters and removed the roadblocks from the affected area. Merchants have also reportedly closed their stores in Gada Biu, Katako, Farin Gada, and the main market in Jos over concerns of similar demonstrations and unrest.

Further attacks and related protests are possible in Plateau state in the near-term. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near demonstration sites. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Intercommunal clashes are common in Nigeria. Central Nigeria has become the scene of almost daily clashes between farmers and largely nomadic herders in a battle for land and resources. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has reported that murder rates linked to ethnic violence in Nigeria are higher than those related to terrorism, also a major security concern in the country.

Advice

Individuals in Plateau state are advised to remain vigilant, avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

The security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly concerning 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 (i.e. states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano states) and the southern Niger Delta region (i.e. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). It is also advisable to avoid nonessential travel to Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, and Kaduna states. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.