2023 Plateau State massacres

At a glance

Dates: From 2023-12-25.

Place: Barkin Ladi, Nigeria.

Type: massacre.

Deaths reported: 140. Casualties: 37.

What came before

Background See also: 2022 Plateau State massacres and 2023 Mangu violence Further information: Climate change in Nigeria , Herder–farmer conflicts in Nigeria , Nigerian bandit conflict , and Mass killings in Southern Kaduna Plateau State is in Nigeria's Middle Belt and has a history of ethnic and religious conflicts, mainly between Muslim Fulani herders and Christian farmers. [ 1 ]

What happened

Attacks At least 17 rural communities in the regions of Bokkos and Barkin Ladi were attacked on 23 and 24 December, leaving at least 200 people dead and over 500 wounded. [ 1 ] The attackers, who used guns and machetes, burned houses and other property. [ 2 ] [ 3 ] No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Since 2014,

Aftermath The Nigerian Army began "clearance operations" to find suspects in the attacks afterwards. Some victims reported that it took more than twelve hours for the security forces to respond after the attacks. [ 1 ] The attacks prompted outrage, with residents demanding justice and government protection. Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the violence. His response faced criticism, [ 2 ] and Amnesty International called for an independent investigation. [ 3 ] The international community,

A series of armed attacks occurred between 23 and 25 December 2023 in Plateau State in central Nigeria. They affected at least 17 rural communities in the Nigerian local government areas of Bokkos and Barkin Ladi, resulting in at least 200 deaths and injuries to more than 500 people as well as significant property damage. Although no group claimed responsibility for the attacks, they are believed to have been committed by Fulani militias.