21 April 2025 , 08:37
626
0
At least 56 killed in Nigeria clashes over land use between herders and farmers
Armed men killed at least 56 people earlier this week in Nigeria’s central Benue state, according to France24 citing the governor’s office. An earlier toll had reported 17 victims.
Clashes between nomadic cattle herders and farmers over land use are common in central Nigeria. Governor Hyacinth Alia blamed the attacks in the Ukum and Logo local government areas on “suspected herders.”
Since many herders belong to the Muslim Fulani ethnic group and many farmers are Christians, the violence in Nigeria’s so-called Middle Belt often takes on religious or ethnic overtones. Two similar attacks by unidentified gunmen earlier this month in neighboring Plateau state left more than 100 people dead.
“The latest count of fatalities from the terrorist attacks has risen to 56,” said Solomon Yorpeyv, the governor’s media adviser, after Alia visited the scene.
He added that the death toll may still rise as search and rescue operations continue.
Technology & Business Editor