Lagos: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to halt a series of deadly attacks in Benue state, where over 200 people have reportedly been killed in recent days. The violence, which has prompted mass protests in the state capital, Makurdi, is part of a long-standing conflict between herders and farmers in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
According to BBC, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians and security personnel over the years. Analyst Kabir Adamu from Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited reported that their database recorded 1,043 deaths in Benue between May 2023 and May 2025. The violence is primarily linked to clashes between Fulani herders and local farmers, with herders accused of trampling crops and contaminating water sources, while armed herders claim they are defending against cattle thieves.
Baba Othman Ngelzarma, a leader from the Fulani community, denied their involvement in the recent killings, attributing the conflict to unresolved local issues. Meanwhile, authorities have refrained from blaming any specific group, recognizing that attacks often lead to cycles of retaliation.
Environmental factors such as climate change, desertification, and irregular rainfall are exacerbating the situation, forcing herders southward into resource-strained areas like Benue, Adamu noted. Additionally, religious differences add complexity, as Fulani herders are predominantly Muslim, while the farming communities are largely Christian.
Efforts by both state and national governments to mitigate the conflict have so far been unsuccessful. A federal joint task force was established in 2018 and renewed last month with the Forest Guards initiative, aiming to secure forest reserves from criminal activity. However, public affairs analyst Sam Philip criticized the government for neglecting the issue, which has been overshadowed by other security challenges like the Boko Haram insurgency and secession demands in different regions.
To resolve the conflict, Adamu suggests a combined approach of security reinforcement and economic measures. He advocates for deploying tactical special forces to Benue and creating more grazing land to prevent clashes over resources. A previous plan by former President Muhammadu Buhari to allocate grazing land was rejected by southern states, who feared it would cede land to the Fulanis.
The government’s strategy must focus on equitable land distribution and sustainable alternatives for pastoralists to ensure lasting peace in the region.