Nigeria: 86 killed in herder-farmer violence; President calls for calm
Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has called for calm after 86 people were killed in an attack by suspected nomadic herders against farming communities in the restive center of the country. The grim discovery in the Barikin Ladi area of Nigeria's Plateau state came after days of violence apparently sparked by an attack by ethnic Berom farmers on Fulani herders on Thursday. Here's more.
50 houses found razed after search in clash area
State police commissioner Undie Adie said six people were injured and 50 houses were found razed after a search of Berom villages in the area following clashes. He added bodies of those who died were released to their families. The deaths are the latest in a long-running battle for land and resources that is putting President Buhari under pressure as elections approach next year.
Violence fueled by political-allegiances could become Nigeria's biggest concern: Analyst
Buhari's office said he "appeals for calm and assures that no efforts will be spared" to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further attacks. The violence fueled by ethnic, religious, and political allegiances has killed thousands over several decades. Analysts believe it could become Nigeria's biggest security concern, eclipsing Boko Haram's Islamist insurgency that has left at least 20,000 dead since 2009.
Curfew set from 6.00 pm to 6.00 am
The Plateau state government said it had imposed restrictions on movements in the Riyom, Barikin Ladi, and Jos South areas. "The movement is restricted from 6.00 pm to 6.00 am, except (for) those on essential duties," spokesman Rufus Bature said. On Sunday, ethnic Berom youths set up barricades on the Jos-Abuja highway and attacked motorists who looked "Fulani and Muslim", according to escapees.
Escaped with smashed windscreen, saw 6 dead bodies: Escapee
Plateau state police spokesman Tyopev Terna and Major Adam Umar, from the military task force in the state capital, Jos, confirmed the blockade and vandalism to several cars. Baba Bala, who escaped the violence, said at least six people were killed. "I escaped with a smashed windscreen and dents on my car. I saw six dead bodies and several damaged cars," he added.
Violence has become familiar in the state
On Thursday, Berom farmers attacked five ethnic Fulani herders traveling with their cattle in a truck at Heipang, in Barikin Ladi. On Friday, two Berom children were killed in Arangai and Mangu Halle villages in what appeared to be reprisal attacks.
Buhari under pressure to act on violence
Lawmakers earlier this month demanded that Buhari address worsening security across Nigeria, accusing police of failing to prevent the violence. On Sunday, Senate leader Bukola Saraki said the killings gave the impression that Nigeria was "not safe". "It was important for Nigerians to start having the assurances that the government is decisively responding to the current threat to lives and property", Saraki said.
Buhari accused of not acting being a Muslim and Fulani
Buhari has been accused of failing to act as he is also Muslim and Fulani. His government has proposed setting up cattle ranches to prevent tensions over grazing land.
Another clash in northeast Nigeria kills 6 people, 7 injured
Separately, clashes erupted on Friday between Fulani herders and ethnic Bachama farmers in Dowayan village, in the Demsa area of Adamawa state, in northeast Nigeria. Adamawa police spokesman Othman Abubakar said, "Six people were killed and seven others injured." He said the violence started when Bachama farmers prevented Fulani herdsmen from grazing in a field outside the village and lashes erupted as a result.
