Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – The prolonged fighting between farmers and herdsmen in Nigeria is becoming increasingly deadly, with at least 2,600 people killed in 2021, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event (ACLED) database.
The decades-long conflict, which is rooted in competition for resources such as land and water, has been exacerbated by factors such as climate change, growing population, and ethnic tensions. The violence, which often involves armed gangs and terrorists, has led to the displacement of thousands of people and the destruction of communities and livelihoods.
“The conflict is a ticking time bomb that requires urgent attention and action,” said Oluwatosin Omotosho, a conflict analyst in Lagos. “The government needs to do more to tackle the root causes of the crisis, such as land use policies, and to ensure that there is justice and accountability for the victims.”
The violence has also deepened religious and ethnic fault lines in Nigeria, a country of more than 200 million people with a complex mix of cultures, religions, and identities. The conflict has pitted Muslim herdsmen against Christian farmers in a country that is roughly divided between the two religions.
“The conflict is complex and multidimensional, and cannot be solved by a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Ngozi Ekeoma, a social scientist in Abuja. “We need to engage all stakeholders, including government, civil society, and the communities themselves, in finding sustainable solutions that address the underlying causes of the violence.”
The Nigerian government has deployed troops and created a task force to address the crisis, but critics say their efforts have been ineffective or biased towards certain groups. Some have called for a more holistic and participatory approach that involves dialogue, mediation, and power-sharing among all affected parties.
“The government needs to show more political will and commitment to resolving the conflict,” said Ifeanyi Ibegbu, a human rights activist in Enugu. “We need to promote tolerance, respect, and empathy among all communities, and build institutions that can prevent and mitigate conflicts in the long term.”
The conflict has also attracted international attention, with some experts warning that it could escalate into a regional or global security threat. The United Nations has called for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing the crisis, and has expressed solidarity with the affected communities.
“The conflict is a tragic reminder of the human cost of violent conflict and the importance of preventing and resolving it,” said Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, in a statement. “We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Nigeria in their efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous future for all.”
In conclusion, the prolonged fighting between farmers and herdsmen in Nigeria has become increasingly deadly and complex. It requires a holistic and participatory approach that addresses the root causes of the conflict and engages all affected parties in finding sustainable solutions.
