Benue State Violence Escalates: Casualty Figures Surge

Recent violent incidents in Benue State, Nigeria, have resulted in a significant increase in the death toll, now reported at 56, following attacks that occurred late on April 17, 2025. This figure marks a sharp revision from earlier reports that indicated only 17 fatalities.

During a visit to the affected villages, Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed the updated casualty count and indicated that the number could rise further as search operations continue in the area.

The latest violence is part of a disturbing trend of rising intercommunal clashes in Nigeria's Middle Belt region. Just days prior to these attacks, another incident in Otukpo claimed the lives of 11 individuals.

In addition to the turmoil in Benue, neighboring Plateau State has experienced two deadly attacks within a fortnight, resulting in over 100 deaths. Reports from Amnesty International indicate that these assaults have led to widespread destruction of homes and significant displacement of local populations.

Governor Alia attributed the violence in Benue's Ukum and Logo local government areas to suspected herdsmen, highlighting the ongoing conflicts between nomadic cattle herders and settled farmers over land usage. These clashes have escalated in frequency and intensity, often taking on religious overtones--typically pitting predominantly Christian farmers against mostly Muslim Fulani herders.

Contributing factors to the rising tensions include overgrazing, drought, and desertification, exacerbated by climate change, which have rendered large tracts of northern Nigeria unproductive. Consequently, herders are increasingly seeking grazing lands in the more fertile southern regions, leading to violent confrontations over land rights.

Amnesty International has criticized the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, for its inadequate response to the escalating violence, leaving communities vulnerable to the unchecked aggression of armed groups.