More than 40 Christian farmers were slaughtered in their sleep when Muslim gunmen stormed a village in north-central Nigeria, highlighting deadly religious and land-use conflicts that continue to plague the region despite government security efforts.
Key Takeaways
- At least 40 people, possibly over 50, were killed when Muslim Fulani herders attacked the Christian farming community of Zike in Plateau state, Nigeria.
- Homes were destroyed and looted during the attack, with victims including children and elderly who were caught by surprise and unable to escape.
- The violence stems from longstanding conflicts over fertile land between predominantly Muslim herders and Christian farming communities, exacerbated by climate change and economic pressures.
- President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation, but Amnesty International reports that 1,336 people were killed in Plateau state between December 2023 and February 2024, indicating ineffective government security measures.
- The conflict differs from Nigeria’s struggle with Boko Haram terrorists but represents a persistent threat to rural agricultural communities and regional stability.
Deadly Night Attack Devastates Christian Farming Community
Muslim gunmen attacked a Christian farming community in north-central Nigeria’s Plateau state, killing at least 40 people in the Zike community of the Bassa area. The exact death toll remains disputed, with the Red Cross reporting 52 deaths, Amnesty International citing 54, and President Bola Tinubu acknowledging “more than 40 fatalities.” Local resident Andy Yakubu indicated the number could be even higher, potentially exceeding 50 victims. The assault took place between midnight and 1:00 a.m., when the victims were asleep, leaving them with no opportunity to escape.
The attackers, identified as Fulani herders, not only killed villagers but also destroyed and looted homes, creating widespread devastation throughout the community. Samuel Jugo, spokesperson for the Irigwe Development Association, reported that this attack is part of an ongoing pattern of violence, with at least 75 Irigwe people killed since December 2024. Despite the deployment of additional security forces to the region, the bloodshed continues, underscoring the government’s struggle to protect vulnerable rural populations.
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
Underlying Causes of the Conflict
The violence in Plateau state stems from complex interrelated factors, including competition for fertile farmland between predominantly Muslim Fulani herders and Christian farming communities. This resource-based conflict has intensified in recent years due to climate change, which has reduced available grazing land and water resources. Economic pressures and population growth have further strained relations between these groups, creating a volatile situation where disputes over land use frequently escalate into deadly violence.
The Fulani have been accused of mass killings in northwest and central Nigeria, further exacerbating divisions along ethnic and religious lines. It’s important to note that this conflict is separate from Nigeria’s struggle against Boko Haram terrorists, which began in 2009 and affects Nigeria’s northern regions and neighboring countries. Instead, this represents a distinct challenge centered on resource competition and intercommunal tensions that have proven difficult for authorities to resolve.
Government Response and Security Failures
President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the attack and extended condolences to victims and their families. However, his administration faces criticism for failing to prevent such violence despite previous security deployments to the region. “I have instructed security agencies to thoroughly investigate this crisis and identify those responsible for orchestrating these violent acts,” remarked President Tinubu.
The president has emphasized the need for peace between different ethnic and religious groups, stating that “The ongoing violence between communities in Plateau State, rooted in misunderstandings between different ethnic and religious groups, must cease.” However, critics argue that more concrete action is required to address the root causes of the conflict, including fair resource allocation, improved security infrastructure, and justice for victims. Samuel Jugo described the latest attack as “very provocative, vexing and undeserving,” reflecting the frustration of local communities who feel abandoned by their government.
Impact on Agriculture and Food Security
The persistent violence in north-central Nigeria has severely disrupted agricultural activities in what was once considered part of the country’s fertile breadbasket. Farmers are increasingly afraid to work in their fields, fearing attacks from armed groups. This has led to reduced crop production, food shortages, and rising prices that affect not only the immediate region but the country’s overall food security. Many farming families have been displaced, losing their livelihoods and becoming dependent on humanitarian assistance.
The current situation threatens to create a cycle of poverty and food insecurity that could destabilize the region for years to come. Without effective government intervention to secure farming communities and mediate land-use conflicts, agricultural productivity will continue to decline, exacerbating economic hardship. The conflict between herders and farmers represents not only a security crisis but a significant threat to Nigeria’s agricultural sector and economic stability.
Sources:
Attack leaves at least 40 people dead in Nigeria, the country’s president says
Nigeria: Amnesty condemns government after deadly attack
