Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – Plateau State, central Nigeria has been hit with a resurgence of deadly clashes between farmers and herders, resulting in the death of at least 16 people. The army confirmed the attacks on Thursday and revealed the number of casualties.
The two attacks occurred in the communities of Jos South and Riyom, both in the south of Plateau state. Amid the long-standing feud between farmers and herders, the attacks were carried out by ethnic Fulani herders on the farming communities.
In Jos South, unidentified gunmen killed six people and injured two. A statement by the state spokesman for the police, Ubah Ogaba, disclosed that the attackers came in and opened fire on innocent villagers, but the arrival of security personnel stopped the wanton killings.
In Riyom, armed Herdsmen raided a village, killing ten people and injuring several others. A resident, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, recounted the ordeal stating that the attackers were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons.
The Plateau state government has condemned the attacks and called on security agencies to strengthen their efforts in protecting the people. The government also appealed to citizens to avoid resorting to reprisals or any other form of violence but instead remain calm and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
The herder-farmer conflict has been a long-standing issue in Nigeria, with frequent outbreaks resulting in the loss of lives and property. The government has initiated several measures to address the issue, including the establishment of a National Livestock Transformation Plan aimed at providing ranches for herders and reducing conflicts with farmers.
However, the current spate of violence points to the need for more concerted efforts to address the root causes of the conflict.
“We must tackle the underlying issues that fuel this conflict, such as poverty, lack of education and unemployment, to ensure a lasting peace,” said a spokesman for the Plateau State Chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
The recent attacks have sparked outrage and calls for urgent action to address the situation, with critics accusing the government of insufficient efforts to address the issue. It is essential to prioritize the security and safety of the people and work towards a peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
