Nigeria: Gunmen kill 35 in Zamfara, Kaduna states Feb. 28-Mar. 2 /update 3

Event

On Saturday, March 2, authorities reported two separate incidents involving unknown assailants that left a total of 35 people dead in Zamfara and Kaduna states on Thursday, February 28, and Saturday, March 2, respectively. On Thursday, suspected criminals attacked a convoy in the Shinkafi local government area (Zamfara state) around 23:45 (local time), killing at least 29 people. On Saturday, gunmen attacked a village near Kidandan in Kiwa local government area (Kaduna state) at 01:30 in an attempted kidnapping of a prominent farmer. At least six people were killed, eight wounded, and one person abducted in the assault. Further such criminal incidents are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Unknown gunmen attacked a town in Kachia local government area (Kaduna state) on Tuesday, February 26, killing 26 people. Previously, 130 people were killed on February 15 in intercommunal violence in Kaduna state. Intercommunal clashes are common in Nigeria, especially between nomadic and settled communities. Such 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 of the country; casualties are regularly reported.

Advice

Individuals in Nigeria, specifically Zamfara and Kaduna states, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

The security environment in Nigeria remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.