At least 160 people have been killed in a series of brutal attacks by armed groups, often referred to as “bandits,” on over 20 communities in central Nigeria.
This violent onslaught, happening over the December 23-24, 2023 weekend, primarily struck the Plateau State and surrounding areas, leaving a trail of destruction and a rising toll of human suffering.
The series of attacks, which originated in the Bokkos region and then spread to Barkin Ladi, were characterized by their well-coordinated nature and the sheer scale of violence.
Houses were set ablaze, leading to mass displacement of the local population. Over 300 individuals have been reported injured, necessitating immediate medical attention and hospitalization in nearby facilities.
In a horrifying account of the extent of the carnage, the local Red Cross has provided a provisional tally indicating 104 deaths in 18 villages in the Bokkos area alone. Additionally, a member of the state parliament reported at least 50 fatalities in the Barkin Ladi area.
The governor of Plateau State condemned these attacks, describing them as “barbaric, brutal and unjustified.” He pledged proactive government measures to curb the ongoing assaults on innocent civilians.
The root cause of these attacks is deeply embedded in the escalating tensions over natural resources such as land, exacerbated by factors like population growth and climate change. These tensions have historically sparked conflict between pastoralist herders and farmers in the region.
The attacks in central and north-west Nigeria have been on the rise since 2011, partly due to these underlying tensions. The armed bandit groups involved have been responsible for a wide range of human rights abuses, including kidnapping, murder, rape, and occupation of farmland, which has further displaced local farmers.
The complexity of the situation is further compounded by the presence of terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWA (Islamic State West Africa Province) in northern Nigeria. Boko Haram, known for its violent insurgency since 2009 aimed at establishing an Islamic state, has been responsible for over 35,000 deaths through tactics like suicide bombings, abductions, rape, and the forced recruitment of children.
In addition to the threat posed by these groups, Nigerian security forces have also faced accusations of human rights violations during counterterrorism operations. This includes extrajudicial killings of suspected extremists and civilians.
The Nigerian government, facing mounting pressure, has been urged to conduct thorough investigations into all attacks against civilians, improve coordination between state and federal authorities, reform security sector training to comply with international law, and ensure accountability for all perpetrators of these crimes.
