Nigeria burns again: Herders, militias, and ethnic clashes

By Kingsley Ikechukwu

Reports from multiple states indicate a rise in violent conflicts involving herders, militias, and ethnic communities, leading to destruction and deaths.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that In Plateau State, a religious clash erupted in the Shimanka area of Shendam Local Government on Monday, March 17, 2025.

A violent confrontation broke out between Muslims and traditional worshippers, resulting in the loss of properties and heightened tensions in the area.

Days later, another attack rocked Plateau State with the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.

The assassination occurred on March 21 in Barkin Ladi and was allegedly carried out by gunmen suspected to be Fulani.

In Taraba State, tensions escalated in Pugong-Yawo, Yoro Local Government Area, on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

Farmers reportedly confronted Fulani herdsmen over the destruction of their crops caused by cattle grazing on their farmlands.

The standoff turned violent as farmers resisted the encroachment, leading to injuries, chaos, and destruction of farmlands in the region.

In Ondo State, another attack took place in Aba Oyinbo, Akure North Local Government Area, on March 19, 2025.

Suspected herdsmen stormed the community in the early hours, killing five residents and sparking a wave of outrage.

The attack led to protests in Akure, with angry residents demanding justice and urgent security intervention from the government.

The attack followed a previous assault where at least 14 people were killed across four communities in the same local government.

Edo State also witnessed unrest as residents of Ugoneki, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, staged a massive protest.

On March 20, locals blocked the Benin-Asaba Expressway to decry the rising cases of kidnappings and killings in their communities.

The protest was triggered by increasing reports of attacks allegedly perpetrated by suspected herdsmen, fueling fears of insecurity.

In Kogi and Enugu States, tension escalated following the killing of five members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.

The victims were reportedly ambushed on March 14 at Eshi River, a border community between Opanza in Enugu and Amaeke in Kogi.

The incident has sparked fears of reprisals, with community leaders calling for urgent intervention to prevent further violence.

Meanwhile, in Katsina and Zamfara States, security forces launched coordinated military operations targeting terrorists and criminal elements.

Between March 17 and 18, troops of Sector 2, in collaboration with the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, intervened.

The operation led to the rescue of 101 victims and the neutralization of 10 suspected terrorists in the region.

The resurgence of religious and ethnic violence in Plateau and Taraba States remains a cause for national concern.

Herders-related violence in the South, alongside kidnappings and targeted killings, signals a worsening security crisis in Nigeria.

Authorities must act swiftly to contain the rising tensions before the situation spirals into nationwide unrest.

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