Ethnic conflict in Benue, Nigeria, killed 74 people, while 80 were abducted in Zamfara, Northwest Nigeria.

Maiduguri – Violence in Benue, the province of Nigeria, killed 74 people. Local security agencies have claimed that it was part of the ethnic massacre. Moreover, armed groups associated with nomadic tribes were said to have attacked two parts of the same province. Meanwhile, the media has reported that a terrorist group has kidnapped as many as 80 people in the Zamfara region of northwestern Nigeria and demanded a ransom of three million nairas (local currency) for their release.

Nigeria is known as one of the fuel-rich countries in Africa. Additionally, Presidential elections had been recently held in this country, one of the leading economies on the African continent. Stability and security were the major issues in these elections. However, under the threat of ethnic conflict and terrorist attacks, only 27% of votes were cast in this election. The new President, Bola Tinubu, had promised security to all citizens of the country. However, it seems it turned out to be futile due to recent incidents of violence and kidnapping.

Last week, an armed group attacked farmers in a village in the Umogidi area of Benue state in central Nigeria. Local agencies informed that around 46 people were killed in this attack. The attackers belonged to insurgent groups comprising nomadic tribes, security officials said. The attack was said to have occurred due to a dispute over land and water between farmers and nomadic tribes. Moreover, Some officials have expressed fear that this may be part of an ethnic massacre.

Furthermore, this attack occurred after consecutive attacks on the farmers living in the migrant camp in the Mgban area, wherein at least 28 people were killed and many others were injured. Besides, the villagers alleged that the assailants belonged to the nomadic Fulani tribe. Due to previous violent incidents, farmers had to be displaced. The government had provided them with a place in the migrant camp. The government has also provided security to this migrant camp. However, due to the attack, strong displeasure has been expressed against the government.

After these consecutive attacks, an incident of kidnapping occurred in Zamfara province in the northwestern part of the country. The incident happened on Friday when children and women worked in the fields in Wanzamai village. The villagers said the terrorists, who came in cars, surrounded the women and children working in the fields and kidnapped them. There has been a preliminary estimate that around 80 people have been abducted. Besides, the terrorist group has demanded a ransom of three million nairas (local currency).

There seems to be an increase in violent incidents over the past decade in Nigeria, one of the leading countries in Africa. Attacks and abductions have constantly happened from terrorist groups related to Al-Qaeda and IS, anti-government rebel groups, armed ethnic groups and gangs of robbers. Due to this, there has been great instability in Nigeria, and the new incidents show that there has been no difference, even with increasing the army and the security system.

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