Report updated 31 January 2024.

Introduction

This report details CSW Nigeria’s (CSWN’s) initial findings regarding the attacks by militia of Fulani origin and their impact on farming communities in central Nigeria, with a particular focus on the 2023 Christmas Eve attacks on Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State which continued to the early hours of Christmas Day, claiming at least 115 lives. This death toll is expected to rise further, as hundreds remain missing.

The Christmas Eve violence also resulted in massive displacement and a humanitarian crisis, with many forced to seek refuge in camps. The report aims to shed light on the gravity of the situation, highlight the affected communities, and emphasize the urgent need for action.

Background

Since 2010, when around 500 people were killed in armed assaults on Dogo Nahawa, Ratsat and Jos villages in Plateau State, attacks by Fulani militia have been a source of increasing concern across Nigeria, and particularly in the central, or Middle Belt region. There has been a long history of such disputes between traditionally nomadic herders from the Fulani ethnic group and farming communities across the Sahel, which are often referred to as ‘farmer-herder clashes.’ However, current attacks in central Nigeria by militia men of Fulani ethnicity occur with such frequency, organisation, and asymmetry that the characterisation as ‘clashes’ no longer suffices.

In a region where ethnicity generally correlates with religion, ethnic minorities are invariably also religious ones. Consequently, the attacks by non-state actors armed  with sophisticated weaponry, assume an ethno-religious coloration and increasingly constitute forcible displacement, as the ancestral lands of indigenous communities are frequently occupied after communities flee to safer areas.

While it is important to note that not all Fulani herders are involved in this violence, it is clear the activities of these well-armed factions have had a significantly negative impact on the region.

Since 2010 the militia has persistently targeted farming communities in Middle Belt states, with a significant surge in 2015, resulting in a remorseless increase in displacement, loss of lives, and property destruction, particularly in rural areas.

The impact of militia attacks on Plateau State has been devastating. They have resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, and widespread destruction of homes, farmlands, and economic livelihoods.

The attacks also have long-term social, economic, and political implications. The communal tensions and distrust that arise from such violence pose significant challenges to peaceful coexistence and stability.

It is crucial to address militia activities in Plateau State effectively in order to ensure the protection of lives, promote dialogue, understanding between diverse communities and peaceful coexistence, and create an enabling environment for sustainable development.

Click here to download this report as a PDF (Updated January 2024).