Agatu massacres
| Agatu massacre | |
|---|---|
 Location of Benue State in Nigeria | |
| Location | Agatu, Benue State, Nigeria |
| Date | February - March 2016[1][2] |
Attack type | Massacre[2] |
| Deaths | 300-500 |
| Victims | Several thousand (at least 7000 displaced) |
Suspected perpetrators | Fulani gunmen & militia |
The Agatu attacks and massacres that occurred in Agatu, Benue State,[3][4][5] that begun in late February 2016 and continued for several days into March.
According to the Nigerian politician Senator David Mark, over 500 have been killed. However, there is no concrete evidence to substantiate the number. The [Inpector General of Police (IGP)] said as reported by [Punch Nigeria] newspaper that ”I was around, I travelled to Benue State, I did not see where 300 people were buried.”[6] [7]
Background
Agatu is in the State of Benue close to Nigeria's centre, where several different ethnic groups meet.
Possible motives and causes
It is believed that the attack was committed in retaliation for the killing of the Fulanis' cows.[8]
Former Senate President Mark also pointed out that the Benue South senatorial district were his constituents and hinted at a possible political motivation for these attacks.
Aftermath
Afterwards, several small scale attacks continued through Benue state and central Nigeria.[9]
Senator Mark later claimed he was fortunate to escape an ambush by suspected assailants, on a condolence visit to the area.[10]
President Buhari and members of the Nigerian security apparatus were criticised for their handling of the sitiuation.[11][12][13]
See also
References
- ↑ "Agatu Massacre – It’s Time to Do the Right Thing [opinion]". Jul 15 / 2016.
- 1 2 300 confirmed dead as Fulani herdsmen attack communities, Naij.com
- ↑ Agatu Massacre: Villagers Take Up Arms After Fulani Terrorist Herdsmen Attack. IPN News; 25th May 2016.
- ↑ Ten villages under siege by Fulani herders. Christian Solidarity Worldwide, 7 Apr 2016.
- ↑ Agatu: Beyond human comprehension, as more attacks likely without government’s quick actions. On March 14, 2016, 8:04 pm. Vanguard Nigeria.
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ EXCLUSIVE: Why we struck in Agatu — Fulani herdsmen. Premium Times, March 19, 2016; by Emmanuel Mayah, Sani Tukur and Hassan Adebayo.
- ↑ Nigeria: Hundreds killed and churches burned in latest Fulani massacre; Ruth Gledhill, Christian Today. 08 April 2016.
- ↑ #AGATUMASSACRE | David Mark, Others Narrowly Escape Fulani Attack in Agatu. Reports Afrique on March 12, 2016 at 12:40 pm.
- ↑ Agatu killings and Buhari’s moral weakness, Punch Nigeria; March 24. 2016
- ↑ Agatu killings: Benue lawmakers blast Buhari, Dambazu. By Ameh Comrade Godwin on March 18, 2016; Punch Nigeria (Punchng.com).
- ↑ Agatu Massacre: Victims accuse Buhari’s govt of insensitivity