Nigeria’s Middle Belt, encompassing states like Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Kaduna, is experiencing a surge in violence attributed to clashes between Fulani herders and local farming communities. This conflict, rooted in disputes over land and resources, has escalated into a deadly cycle of attacks and reprisals, exacerbated by the activities of armed bandits exploiting the region’s instability.
Recent Incidents: Escalation of Violence
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Benue State: In April 2025, coordinated attacks by suspected Fulani militias in Ukum County resulted in the deaths of over 185 Christians, highlighting the severity of the conflict.
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Plateau State: The Zike community in Bassa area suffered a devastating attack in April 2025, where at least 40 people were killed by suspected Fulani herders. Homes were looted and destroyed, and the death toll may be higher than reported.
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Christmas 2023 Massacres: A series of attacks in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas led to the deaths of approximately 200 individuals, with over 500 injured. These attacks were believed to be carried out by Fulani militias.
Expert Insight: Emmanuel Kotin’s Strategic Commentary
Emmanuel Kotin, Executive Director and Security Analyst at the Africa Center for Counter Terrorism, provided the following analysis:
“The persistent clashes in Nigeria’s Middle Belt are symptomatic of deeper structural issues, including competition over land, weak governance, and the proliferation of arms. A comprehensive approach that combines security measures with socio-economic development and conflict resolution is essential to break this cycle of violence.”
Call to Action: Towards Sustainable Peace
To address the escalating crisis in the Middle Belt, the following measures are recommended:
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Enhanced Security: Deploy well-trained security forces to protect vulnerable communities and deter further attacks.
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Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Establish dialogue platforms involving herders, farmers, and local authorities to mediate disputes and promote peaceful coexistence.
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Land Use Policies: Implement clear and fair land use policies to address the root causes of the herder-farmer conflicts.
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Disarmament Programs: Initiate disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs for armed groups to reduce the proliferation of weapons.
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Humanitarian Assistance: Provide immediate support to displaced populations, including shelter, food, and medical care.
