Nigeria: Authorities revise death toll in Kaduna state attacks Feb. 19 /update 1

Event

On Tuesday, February 19, authorities indicate gunmen killed at least 130 people in attacks in the Kajuru local government area (Kaduna state) on February 15. Officials previously indicated the gunmen killed 66 people. Authorities added that the motive for the attacks appeared to be related to intercommunal disputes. Security forces are continuing an investigation into the attacks. Additional or reciprocal attacks, as well as related demonstrations and unrest, cannot be ruled out.

Context

On February 15, gunmen killed scores in the villages of Ruga Bahago, Ruga Daku, Ruga Ori, Ruga Haruna, Ruga Yukka Abubakar, Ruga Duni Kadiri, Ruga Shewuka, and Ruga Shuaibu Yau in the Kajuru local government area (Kaduna state). Authorities subsequently deployed security forces in and around the affected areas and made initial arrests.

Intercommunal clashes are also common in Nigeria, especially between nomadic and settled communities. These kinds of clashes have been known to break out in the central Middle Belt region (e.g. in Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Kaduna, and Nassawara states) as well as in the south, where casualties are regularly reported. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has reported that murder rates linked to ethnic violence are higher in Nigeria than those related to terrorism, also a major security concern in the country.

Advice

Individuals in Nigeria are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate significant business and transportation disruptions and increased security measures, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

The security environment in Nigeria remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.