More than 50 Christians killed in militant raid on Nigerian village as herder-farmer violence escalates, devastating rural communities and threatening national food security.
Quick Takes
- Muslim gunmen killed at least 40-54 people in a Christian farming community in north-central Nigeria’s Plateau state, showing an escalation in religious and resource conflicts.
- The violence stems from land disputes between Muslim Fulani herders and Christian farmers, exacerbated by climate change and economic pressures.
- Over 1,300 people were killed in Plateau state between December 2023 and February 2024, indicating the government’s failure to protect vulnerable communities.
- President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation, but critics question whether this will lead to meaningful security improvements.
- The continued attacks on farming communities threaten Nigeria’s agricultural production and food security.
Deadly Attack Devastates Christian Farming Community
Muslim gunmen attacked the Zike community in Bassa, Plateau state, claiming at least 40 lives according to official reports, though some sources place the death toll as high as 54. The attack occurred between midnight and 1:00 a.m., catching victims by surprise while they slept. Amnesty International reported that the victims, including children and elderly residents, had no chance to escape the sudden violence. Local resident Andy Yakubu described a scene of total devastation, with homes destroyed and looted throughout the community, suggesting the final death count could exceed 50.
The incident represents the latest chapter in a longstanding conflict between predominantly Muslim Fulani herders and Christian farming communities over increasingly scarce land resources. This violence is distinct from the Boko Haram insurgency that has ravaged Nigeria’s northeast since 2009. Instead, it reflects deeper tensions between nomadic herders seeking grazing lands and settled agricultural communities trying to protect their farmlands and livelihoods in Nigeria’s fertile central region.
Amnesty International condemns the massacre of at least 51 people in Zikke village, Plateau State, Nigeria
Gunmen razed homes, looted villages, and left a trail of devastation
‘Everything was destroyed in their path’ pic.twitter.com/RX5acieBBV
— RT (@RT_com) April 14, 2025
Government Response and Security Failures
President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack and ordered an investigation, extending condolences to victims and their families. However, his administration faces criticism for failing to prevent such violence despite deploying additional security forces to the region. Samuel Jugo, spokesperson for the Irigwe Development Association, described the latest attack as “very provocative, vexing and undeserving,” noting that at least 75 members of the Irigwe community have been killed since December 2024.
Amnesty International has questioned the effectiveness of government security measures, pointing to the alarming statistic that 1,336 people were killed in Plateau state between December 2023 and February 2024 alone. The human rights organization condemned the killings and criticized security lapses that allowed such a high death toll. Their statement emphasized that despite security forces being stationed nearby, they failed to prevent or respond effectively to the attack, raising serious concerns about Nigeria’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities.
Deeper Causes of Escalating Violence
The persistent violence in north-central Nigeria stems from complex factors including competition for natural resources, climate change, religious differences, and economic pressures. As Nigeria’s population grows and arable land becomes more scarce, tensions between nomadic herders and settled farmers have intensified. The religious dimension—with predominantly Muslim Fulani herders clashing with largely Christian farming communities—adds another layer of complexity to what began as disputes over land usage.
The Fulani tribe has been accused of mass killings in northwest and central Nigeria, exacerbating divisions between different ethnic and religious groups. However, many security experts note that both sides have engaged in retaliatory violence, creating cycles of conflict that have proven difficult to break. The continued targeting of farming communities has severely impacted agricultural production, threatening food security in a nation already struggling with economic challenges and high food prices.
Impact on National Stability and Food Security
The persistent violence in Nigeria’s agricultural heartland threatens the country’s food production capacity and economic stability. As farmers abandon their fields due to safety concerns, agricultural output decreases, contributing to rising food prices and increased dependence on imports. The displacement of rural communities creates additional social and economic pressures in urban areas, where resources are already stretched thin. Addressing the underlying causes of this conflict – including land rights, resource management, and climate change adaptation – will be crucial for Nigeria’s long-term stability.
While the government has proposed various solutions, including designated grazing reserves and livestock transformation plans, implementation has been inconsistent. Many rural communities remain vulnerable to attacks, with insufficient security forces to protect vast agricultural areas. As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, finding sustainable solutions that address both security concerns and resource competition will be essential for breaking the cycle of violence and protecting the agricultural sector that forms the backbone of the nation’s economy.
Sources:
Attack leaves at least 40 people dead in Nigeria, the country’s president says
Nigeria: Amnesty condemns government after deadly attack
