30 killed by Fulani herdsmen in Benue village

An ethnic dispute over land in a village in Nigeria’s Benue state that has repeatedly flared up in the past has led to an attack that left houses burnt and at least 30 people dead, Governor Gabriel Suswan ‘s spokesman said Wednesday.

“At least 30 people were confirmed killed,” Cletus Akwaya said, adding herdsmen from the mainly Muslim Fulani ethnic group attacked a community of Tivs, who are mostly Christian, on Sunday and Monday.

He said no arrests had been made following the violence in Yogbo, which is near the border with neighbouring Nassarawa state. Akwaya claimed the attack was unprovoked and said there had been no warning beforehand.

“They set fire to some of the houses and as some of the people were fleeing, they ambushed them,” he said. “A team of anti-riot policemen and then military observers have been dispatched to the affected community.”

He said the attack occurred at night, making it difficult to determine how many attackers there were. Local media reported that hundreds of Tiv farmers had fled the village.

Violence has flared numerous times in the area, with the dispute believed to be primarily over access to land. The Fulanis, who are mainly Muslim, are mostly herdsmen, while Tivs in the area tend to be Christian farmers.

Previous attempts to end the conflict have failed, including efforts by state government officials and religious leaders.

Nigeria’s 160 million population includes some 250 ethnic groups and communal clashes break out regularly. The country is Africa’s most populous nation and largest oil producer.

Benue and Nassarawa states are located in the country’s Middle Belt region between the mainly Muslim north and predominately Christian south. Other states in the region have seen similar outbreaks of violence.

In Plateau state, waves of clashes between Christian and Muslim ethnic groups have left thousands dead in recent years. Policies favouring ethnic groups considered to be indigenous to the area have worsened the conflict.

Islamist extremist group Boko Haram has further complicated the situation in Plateau state in recent months by carrying out bomb attacks there separate from the ethnic violence. There was no indication of the group’s involvement in the Benue state violence this week.