Amnesty International Nigeria has described recent attacks in Benue and Plateau states as particularly brutal, with entire families killed and widespread destruction of infrastructure.
On April 3rd, armed herders launched a vicious attack on Bokkos local government in Plateau State, resulting in the deaths of many, including children. In Benue State, attackers not only killed residents but also destroyed boreholes, clinics, and schools. Evidence gathered by Amnesty International shows that grain reserves and places of worship were also targeted in the Ukum and Logo local government areas.
The report highlights that all 23 local government areas in Benue have suffered attacks, with Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Gwer West, Gwer East, Apa, and Agatu local governments experiencing more frequent violence. Over 148 villages across seven local governments in Benue have been sacked, displacing approximately 450,000 people.
In Plateau State, armed herders have carried out 38 attacks, displacing around 65,000 people. Between March 27 and April 2, coordinated attacks on Daffo, Gwande, Hurti, Manguna, and Ruwi in Bokkos local government intensified the crisis. In the past two years, 167 rural communities have been attacked in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Jos East, Jos South, Mangu, Riyom, and Wase.
Amnesty International’s findings underscore the devastating impact of these attacks, which have forced some communities to flee multiple times after IDP camps and schools sheltering them were also targeted.
