At least 17 people were killed in a violent attack by suspected cattle herders in Benue State, central Nigeria, on Thursday, local police reported. The assault is part of a growing pattern of deadly clashes between farmers and herders that have intensified in recent years.
The recent violence follows a series of similar attacks in the region. Just two days prior, 11 people were killed in Otukpo, Benue, and less than a week ago, more than 50 people died in an attack on villages in neighboring Plateau State.
The ongoing conflict, which has been erupting since 2019, has resulted in over 500 deaths and displaced 2.2 million people, according to SBM Intelligence, a research firm.
In a separate incident, five farmers were shot and killed by suspected herders in Gbagir, Benue’s Ukum Local Government Area, early on Friday. The attackers opened fire as police attempted to confront them, said police spokesperson Sewuese Anene. During this engagement, 12 more people were killed in a nearby attack in Logo Local Council Area, about 70 kilometers from Ukum.
The violence, centered in the agriculturally rich north-central region, has disrupted food supplies and further exacerbated tensions between herders and farming communities.
