Mass atrocities crimes continue to torment Nigeria. According to a report by Nigeria Mourns released in May, in the first quarter of 2023 at least 1,230 people were killed and over 658 abductions took place. The vast majority – over 75% – of killings took place in the northern part of the country, mostly caused by bandits followed by insurgent activity from Boko Haram or ISWAP. However, this is just one of the conflict dynamics in the country. The activities of herdsmen cause the most casualties in north-central Nigeria. In the south, killings were almost exclusively attributed to secessionist activities.[1] Nigeria Mourns highlighted a rise in extrajudicial killings, mostly perpetrated by security personnel, comprising about 10% of the reported deaths throughout the country over the same period. At least 56 people were in Doma, Nasarawa State and 30 in Kutunku village, Niger State as a result of Nigerian Airforce shelling of suspected bandits’ location. At the same time, the continued loss of lives of security personnel by armed groups and criminal organisations constitutes a threat to the general security of Nigerians and there is a need for stronger security measures.[2]
At least 80 people were killed when gunmen attacked at least 10 villages in Mangu district, Plateau State, in May, so far seven suspects were arrested. Locals believe the attacks were carried out by herdsmen after a resident complained that his banana plantation had been destroyed by their cattle. Unfortunately, security forces only managed to arrive a day after the attacks began, analysts blamed their ineffective early warning system and a lack of firepower and personnel to prevent such attacks.[3]
Gubernatorial elections took place in March amidst ongoing voter intimidation and low turnout. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) workers and offices were heavily targeted and attacks were especially high in Kano state where the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate, Abba Kabir won the election and in Lagos, a key battleground for the Labour Party.[4] Political killings comprised over 7% of all killings between January and March 2023, most having occurred around the National Election.[5]
[1] Nigeria Mourns, 2023 Mass Atrocities 1st Quarter Report, https://www.nigeriamourns.org/2023-mass-atrocities-1st-quarter-report/
[2] Nigeria Mourns, 2023 Mass Atrocities 1st Quarter Report, https://www.nigeriamourns.org/2023-mass-atrocities-1st-quarter-report/
[3] AP, “At least 80 people were killed in an attack in northern Nigeria. Police arrested 7 suspects,” 18 May 2023, https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-violence-killings-shooting-plateau-herdsmen-fulani-043596ecac029a7b5603cb3a0513732b
[4] ACLED, Regional Overview Africa March 2023, 6 April 2023, https://acleddata.com/2023/04/06/regional-overview-africa-march-2023/
[5] Nigeria Mourns, 2023 Mass Atrocities 1st Quarter Report, https://www.nigeriamourns.org/2023-mass-atrocities-1st-quarter-report/
