15/03/2025
The conflict between Fulani herdsmen and farming communities in Nigeria has deep historical roots, with incidents recorded over several decades. Below is a chronological list of notable attacks, detailing the affected villages and dates:
1. 1948: Communal clashes occurred in Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State, marking one of the earliest recorded conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and local farming communities.
2. 1959: Another significant clash took place in Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State, highlighting the recurring nature of these conflicts in the region.
3. 1977: The Tafawa Balewa area in Bauchi State witnessed further violence, underscoring ongoing tensions between herdsmen and farmers.
4. 1991: A major outbreak of violence occurred in Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State, resulting in numerous casualties and significant property damage.
5. 1995: Renewed clashes in Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State, led to loss of lives and heightened ethnic tensions in the region.
6. 2001: The Tafawa Balewa area experienced another bout of violence, reflecting the persistent nature of these conflicts.
7. 2005: Clashes erupted once more in Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State, causing fatalities and displacement of residents.
8. 2010: Significant violence occurred in Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State, leading to numerous deaths and property destruction.
9. 2011: In March, Fulani herdsmen allegedly dressed in black attacked and burned five villages in Bauchi State, resulting in the deaths of five individuals.
10. 2012: The Tafawa Balewa region in Bauchi State witnessed further violence, prompting the relocation of the local government headquarters due to ongoing unrest.
11. 2013: On April 23, Fulani herdsmen attacked Mbasenge community in Guma Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State, killing 10 farmers.
12. 2013: On May 7, 47 mourners were gunned down in Agatu, Benue State, while burying two policemen killed earlier in Nassarawa State.
13. 2013: On May 14, over 200 herdsmen surrounded Ekwo-Okpanchenyi in Agatu LGA, Benue State, killing 40 locals.
14. 2014: In a single attack, over 200 people attending a meeting were slaughtered in a village in Zamfara State.
15. 2014: According to statistics provided by the Institute for Economics and Peace, 1,229 people were killed in various attacks attributed to Fulani herdsmen, with Benue State being the hardest hit.
16. 2016: Reports indicate that from January 2015 to June 2016, there were nearly 60 significant attacks by Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria, with the number of attacks in the first half of 2016 almost equaling the total attacks in 2015.
In response to these persistent conflicts, the Nigerian government has implemented several measures:
Security Operations: Deployment of military and police forces to affected regions to curb violence.
Peace Initiatives: Engagement in dialogues between herders and farmers to foster understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Policy Development: Consideration of establishing designated grazing areas to reduce clashes over land use.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist, and continuous action is required to achieve lasting peace.
