ABUJA, Nigeria — May 27, 2025
At least 42 people were killed in a series of violent attacks over the weekend in Benue State, central Nigeria, amid escalating tensions between nomadic herders and local farming communities. The assaults, which targeted multiple villages, have intensified concerns over the ongoing security crisis in the region.
Details of the Attacks
According to Victor Omnin, chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, the violence began on Saturday with attacks on Tyolaha and Tse-Ubiam villages, resulting in 10 fatalities. The following day, 32 more people were killed in neighboring Ahume and Aondona villages. Victims included women and children as young as two years old. A Catholic priest was also shot and remains in critical but stable condition.
These attacks are part of a broader pattern of violence between Fulani herders and indigenous farmers, primarily over land and grazing rights. The conflict has been exacerbated by climate change, overpopulation, and inconsistent enforcement of laws banning open grazing. Despite a 2017 law prohibiting open grazing in Benue State, enforcement remains inconsistent, allowing such conflicts to persist.
Impact on Agriculture and Food Security
Benue State, often referred to as Nigeria's "Food Basket," has seen its agricultural productivity severely impacted by these ongoing conflicts. The violence has disrupted farming activities, leading to food shortages and increased prices. Between 2020 and 2024, Nigeria recorded at least 2,347 casualties in 359 farmer-herder conflict incidents, though experts believe many go unreported.
Calls for Government Action
Local and federal leaders have emphasized the urgent need to halt the unrest to protect lives and the country’s food supply. Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State condemned the attacks, calling them "heinous acts" and a sign of escalating violence in the region. He urged the federal government to take decisive action to address the root causes of the conflict and to enhance security measures in vulnerable areas.
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