By: Daure David
A disturbing wave of violence has gripped Nigeria’s North Central region, where no fewer than 578 persons have been killed in attacks perpetrated by armed bandits, suspected herdsmen, and other criminal groups over the past six months. The figure, compiled from media reports by Saturday Sun, covers the period from November 2024 to April 24, 2025.
Benue State bore the brunt of the killings, recording 244 deaths—42% of the total fatalities. Plateau followed with 137 deaths, representing 24%, while Nasarawa and Kogi states reported 104 and 57 deaths respectively. Niger recorded 29 killings, and Kwara, the least affected, witnessed seven deaths.
Benue: Epicenter of Violence
Benue State witnessed a series of brutal attacks between November and April, mainly by suspected armed herdsmen. More than 27 separate incidents were documented across Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Otukpo, Guma, and Makurdi LGAs. In April alone, over 103 people were killed in a string of ten coordinated attacks.
December 25, 2024, marked one of the bloodiest days when more than 30 persons were massacred in Kwande, displacing thousands. Throughout the period, victims included farmers, hunters, and even a policeman, with communities like Okpomaju, Katsina-Ala, and Otukpo frequently targeted.
Plateau: Bokkos and Bassa Under Siege
Plateau State saw a significant spike in violence in April 2025. On April 2, 52 people were killed in Bokkos, followed by the massacre of 53 others on April 14 in Zike Kimakpa, Kwall District, Bassa LGA. Other tragic incidents included the killing of 11 mourners on March 28 in Bokkos and the murder of a MACBAN chairman in Barkin Ladi.
Nasarawa: Deadly April
After a relatively calm start, Nasarawa State experienced a sharp rise in violence in April, when 78 individuals were killed in a series of coordinated attacks across Obi, Awe, Doma, and Keana LGAs. The attacks earlier in the year included the killing of three soldiers in February and 20 civilians in March.
Kogi, Niger, and Kwara Also Affected
Kogi State suffered 57 fatalities, with attacks reported each month. The deadliest incidents occurred in March and April, which saw 15 and 12 deaths, respectively.
Niger State recorded 29 deaths, including 19 farmers killed in a single attack in February in Shiroro LGA. Other incidents involved IEDs and sporadic shootings.
Kwara State remained largely peaceful until April 21, when seven individuals were killed in attacks on Ilesha Baruba and Kemanji communities.
No Official Figures
Attempts to obtain official statistics from state governments and security agencies proved futile, as relevant institutions admitted they had yet to collate comprehensive data. Experts warn that the actual death toll may be higher, given possible underreporting, particularly in remote areas.
The unrelenting spate of violence has left communities devastated, displaced thousands, and raised urgent questions about the federal and state governments’ response to insecurity in the North Central zone.
As citizens continue to live in fear, calls for decisive security reforms and community-based defense strategies grow louder. For now, the region mourns its dead and braces for what may come next.
