TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Overview
- News
- Incidents of Herdsmen Rampage
- Incidents of Boko haram attack
- Incidents of Banditry
- Incidents of Suicide bomb attacks
- Incidents of Communal clashes
- Incidents of cult clashes
- Incidents of Force brutality
- Death reported in the media per state
- Total number of casualties
- Number of security personnel killed
Overview
The flurry of killings in Nigeria, ranging from low level civil disorder, large scale violence and armed insurgency has plunged the country into a deplorable state of insecurity. Terrorism, bombings, banditry and gang clashes are major threats to internal security directed at citizens of the state who suffer the consequences this gross insecurity threat.
In the month of April, we observed an outrageous rise in the number of deaths resulting from the menace of banditry whose perpetrators widened their reach beyond Zamfara and Kaduna states to other parts of the North, causing unrest among citizens and dislodging them from their villages.
Boko Haram insurgents have remained relentless in their fight against the government and its citizens, the sheer dedication and negative passion deployed in destroying lives and properties comes at an unbearable cost : Nigerian lives. The rebels deploy various modus operandi; suicide bomb attacks, open attacks on military points, with the sole aim of weakening our security. April 2019, has recorded several attacks of the sect that has left 65 persons dead.
Activities of Militia Herdsmen have become more brazen and deadlier, especially in the South of the country, with incidents of killings, village raids and in some cases, forceful occupation of lands. In the month of April, a total of 54 deaths were recorded from attacks carried out by Militia Herdsmen.
Cult clashes and political gangsterism increased exponentially, and this is easily traceable to the patronage of politicians in the South South. This has now escalated from an election-related menace to a means of livelihood for the youth, resulting in blood baths.
The current trend of violence has left a lot of Nigerians despondent, with an increased loss of confidence in the security apparatus and their capacity to guarantee their safety and security. This situation engenders fear and limits the possibility of economic development.
The state of insecurity requires that urgent actions be taken; the perpetrators of these acts of violence should be adequately penalized by the relevant agencies, while strategically addressing the, structural distortions in the Country.
The constitution of Nigeria provides that it is the primary responsibility of government to ensure the security and welfare of citizens. However, this report reveals government’s increasing inadequacy to guarantee the safety, and protect the lives and properties of its citizens.
Below is a summary of media tracking of violent killings for the month of April 2019.
NEWS
- HERDSMEN’S RAMPAGE
April 3
Suspected Herdsmen killed 5 in Benue
Vicious killings and destruction of properties by Suspected Herdsmen that left 5 people dead was recorded in Mondo village, Ukemberagya Logo local government area of Benue state
April 3
Suspected Herdsmen killed 16 in Benue
No fewer than 16 persons were reportedly killed in an attack by suspected herdsmen dressed in military uniform. This tragedy occurred in Agagbe community in Gwer West Local Government Areas of Benue State.
Read more: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/03/herdsmen-kill-16-in-fresh-attack-on-benue-community/
April 8
Suspected Herdsmen killed 4 in Kogi communities
3 civilians and a police officer were confirmed dead after suspected militia men invaded Bagana and Patani communities in Omala Local government area in Kogi state.
Read more: https://dailypost.ng/2019/04/08/kogi-police-confirms-death-officer-3-civilians-herdsmen-attack/April 8
6 killed, 30 injured in Anambra community by suspected herdsmen
Marauding herdsmen raided Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing 6 people and leaving 30 others severely injured.
Read more: https://dailypost.ng/2019/04/08/suspected-herdsmen-kill-six-farmers-injure-many-anambra/
April 11
4 Killed in Abraka, Delta State
Not less than 4 persons were killed by alleged Herdsmen in some parts of Abraka community, Ethiope East council area of Delta state.
Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/suspected-herdsmen-kill-four-in-delta/
April 15
2 Killed, 3 injured by Herdsmen in Ekiti
Suspected Herdsmen killed 2 persons and meted out severe injuries on 3 other persons during a mid-night raid on Iyemero community in Ikole LGof Ekiti State.
Read more: http://saharareporters.com/2019/04/15/two-killed-three-injured-herdsmen-raid-ekiti-community
April 19
Alleged Herdsmen killed 15 in Adamawa
15 people were killed in attacks carried out by Herdsmen in 3 communities in Adamawa State.
April 19
2 killed, 3 Kidnapped in Kajuru Castle, Kaduna
2 aid workers identified as Mathew Oguche, a Nigerian and his British colleague, Faye Mooney were murdered by assailants, and 3 other Nigerians kidnapped at a recreational resort in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
- Read more: : https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/04/police-confirm-2-killed-3-kidnapped-in-kaduna/BOKO HARAM
April 9
Boko Haram attacked Yobe
Boko Haram insurgents launched an attack on a town in the Eastern part of Damaturu, Yobe state, and left left several injured as residents scampered for safety, while the Nigerian Army put the entire town on lockdown.
Read more: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/04/09/boko-haram-attacks-damaturu/
April 29
21 killed in Boko Haram attack in Kuda, Adamawa
Boko Haram insurgents stormed Kuda village in Adamawa and set it on fire, killing 21 persons.
Read more: https://thedefensepost.com/2019/04/30/nigeria-boko-haram-attack-kuda-adamawa-kills-21/
April 29
Boko Haram killed 14 in Monguno, Borno
14 persons suspected to have been killed by Boko Haram militants were found dead in Duwabayi village near the garrison town of Monguno in Borno state.
Read More: https://thedefensepost.com/2019/05/01/nigeria-boko-haram-kill-14-monguno-borno-iswap/
April 30
5 soldiers killed, 8, injured and dozens missing as Boko Haram attacked military base
Not less than 5 soldiers were killed and 8 were gravely wounded after Boko Haram attacked an operating Base in Mararrabar Kimba, Borno state. The invasion has also left not less than seven persons missing.
April 30
25 people killed in Suspected Boko Haram attack on Maiduguri village
Suspected Boko Haram extremists attacked a village in Maiduguri, killing at least 25 people.
Read more: https://nypost.com/2019/04/30/25-people-killed-in-suspected-boko-haram-attack-on-nigerian-village/
BANDITRY
April 4
1 shot dead, 3 injured by gunmen in Plateau
The Police Public Relations Officer of Plateau confirmed the death of Mr Mahan Ishaya, a 42 year-old man, who was shot dead by Gunmen in Daffo town of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau state.
Read more: https://www.sunnewsonline.com/gunmen-kill-1-injure-3-others-in-bokkos-plateau-state/
April 4
50 persons killed by gunmen in Zamfara
No fewer than 50 persons, including members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed in Zamfara by bandits.
Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/bandits-kill-50-civilian-jtf-others-in-zamfara/
April 5
Clergyman shot dead in Ondo
A Bursar of the Akure Diocese of the Anglican Church, identified as Mr. Gabriel Abiodun, was shot dead by gunmen, in Akure, capital city of Ondo state.
Read more: https://www.sunnewsonline.com/gunmen-kill-anglican-church-bursar-in-ondo/
April 8
20 persons killed in Kajuru, Kaduna
At least 20 persons have been reported killed in an attack by unknown gunmen in Angwan Aku village, Kajuru Local government area of Kaduna state.
Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/updated-20-killed-in-fresh-kajuru-attack/
April 10
33 killed in 3 Local Government Areas of Katsina State
Not less than 33 persons were reported killed by gunmen in three Local Government Areas of Katsina State. .
Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/04/breaking-again-33-killed-in-katsina/
April 15
16 persons gunned down in Nasarawa
16 persons including a pregnant woman were murdered by gunmen, in Numa village, in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Read More: https://dailypost.ng/2019/04/15/gunmen-kill-pregnant-woman-15-others-nasarawa/
April 19
At least 11 persons killed after Good Friday Service in Benue
11 persons, who had just closed from a “Good Friday” Church Service, were killed by unknown gunmen, in Ikurav Tiev in Katsina/Ala local government area of Benue state.
April 21
17 persons killed by Gunmen in Kankara, Katsina
Bandits invaded Yar Center, in the outskirts of Sherere community and killed 17 persons in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, while dozens sustained varying degrees of injuries.
April 21
11 persons killed, cows rustled by Gunmen in Benue
No fewer than 11 persons were killed by suspected gunmen, in Ngibo and Tse Aye villages, Ikyurav-Tiev 1, Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Council of Benue State.
Read more: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/bandits-kill-11in-benue-rustle-28-cows/
April 23
5 persons killed during reprisal attack in Benue
At least 5 persons were killed by invading militia, who stormed the Abaver and Tse Abi communities in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State and fired sporadic gunshots, while citizens scampered for safety.
Read more: https://www.sunnewsonline.com/gunmen-kill-5-in-benue/
April 27
2 abducted and 2 Police escorts killed by hoodlums in Rivers
Armed hoodlums terrorising the Ahoada Ndele-Rumuji-Emohua axis of Rivers state, abducted 2 members of Staff of Shell Nigeria, and killed the 2 police officers attached to them.
Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/two-police-escorts-killed-as-gunmen-kidnap-shell-workers/
April 28
3 persons killed as Gunmen raided Community in Rivers
At least three people were killed by a group of gunmen in Eneka community in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Read more: http://saharareporters.com/2019/04/29/three-killed-gunmen-raid-community-rivers
April 30
65 year old father of Local government councillor and his son killed by gunmen in Plateau
Unknown gunmen hacked down a lawmaker identified as Sinimbalia Maigida, and his 65-year-old father -Titus Maigida, in Kanam Council of Plateau State.
Read more: https://guardian.ng/news/gunmen-kill-councillor-father-in-plateau/
- SUICIDE BOMB ATTACKS
April 5
3 killed alongside 2 suicide bombers during a suicide bomb attack in Maiduguri
2 female suicide bombers killed alongside 3 other persons after detonating the improvised explosive devices strapped on them at Muna Dalti, Maiduguri.
Read more: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/04/07/five-killed-in-suicide-attacks-on-maiduguri/April 12
2 Killed after bomb was detonated in Borno
Two people: a soldier and a civilian vigilante were killed after 2 female suicide bombers detonated their explosives in Monguno, Borno state.
Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/04/two-killed-in-suspected-boko-haram-suicide-attack-in-borno/
- INCIDENTS OF COMMUNAL CLASH
April 1
4 dead during Communal clash in Wukari, Taraba state
Four persons were killed and several houses burned down, in a communal clash between Jukun and Tiv ethnic groups in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Read more: https://dailypost.ng/2019/04/02/4-feared-dead-fresh-jukun-tiv-clashes-taraba/
April 8
8 killed in Ebonyi communal clash
8 persons,including a 3-month old infant, were killed during a communal clash between two communities, over boundary dispute in Ebonyi State.
Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/family-of-five-3-month-old-killed-in-ebonyi-boundary-crisis/
April 10
1 killed, 4 injured in FCT
One person was killed while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries during the fierce clash that ensued between Abuja natives and soldiers over some plots of land at Tungan-Maje, an outskirt town of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Read more: https://dailypost.ng/2019/04/10/one-feared-dead-soldiers-abuja-indigenes-clash/
April 11
15 killed during communal clash between Tiv and Jukun Communities
15 persons were found dead while over 100 houses were reportedly razed , during a feud resulting in a clash, between The Jukun tribe of Taraba State and The Tiv of Benue state. The fatal incident occurred at Vaase settlement in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Read more: https://guardian.ng/news/fresh-15-bodies-recovered-as-tiv-jukun-clashes-continue/
April 19
22 Killed over Tribal war in Taraba State
At least 22 persons were killed in a communal war between ethnic Jukun and Tiv communities of Wukari local government area in southern Taraba State.
https://www.sunnewsonline.com/tiv-jukun-crisis-22-feared-killed-in-wukari-fresh-attacks/
April 27
3 persons dead during fresh attacks in Kaduna
3 people were killed and a house was burnt down during attacks in Kujama and Maraban Rido communities in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/three-killed-in-fresh-kaduna-attacks/
April 30
3 Killed as locals, Hausa community clashed in Nasarawa
Three people were killed during the fierce clash that erupted between locals and the Hausa community in Panda, Panda Development Area of Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/3-killed-as-locals-hausa-community-clash-in-nasarawa/
- INCIDENTS OF CULT CLASH
April 3
3 killed during cult clash in Cross River
The Police Command in Cross River confirmed the killing of 3 persons identified as rival cult members in Calabar South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. The Police PRO in the state confirmed the tragedy and gave words of assurance to the media in handling restoring security and curbing further tragedy.
Read more: https://dailypost.ng/2019/04/03/3-die-cult-related-clashes-calabar/
April 7
Not less than 8 people killed during clash between rival cult gangs in Rivers
At least 8 people were shot dead during a raging cult battle in Mgboduohia village, Obio-Akpor Local government area of Rivers State.
Read more: https://dailypost.ng/2019/04/08/cult-war-8-killed-rivers-community/
April 8
3 killed in a bloody cult clash in Imo
Not fewer than 3 people were killed and others severely wounded during a cult battle in Owerri, Imo state.
Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/three-killed-others-wounded-as-cultists-clash-in-imo/
April 14
4 killed during cult battle in Lagos
At least 4 persons were killed during a hellish cult war between rival gangs, in Sangotedo area of Ajah, Lagos State.
Read more: https://www.sunnewsonline.com/cult-clash-4-killed-2-arrested-in-lagos/
April 23
6 slaughtered during cult conflict in Ogun
6 persons were killed during a clash between the Aiye and Eiye confraternities in Ogun state.
Read more: https://thenationonlineng.net/six-feared-killed-in-cult-clash-in-ogun/
- FORCE BRUTALITY
April 18
13 year old shot dead by Policeman in Rivers
A 13-Year-Old Boy identified as Precious Gladstone was shot dead from bullets fired by a policeman, during a protest in Rivers State.
Read more: http://saharareporters.com/2019/04/19/13-year-old-boy-killed-police-fire-bullets-protesters-rivers
April 20
One killed, many injured as police officers open fire in Ifo, Ogun
Easter Sunday turned out tragic in Ifo are of Ogun State, as a man, identified as Akeem Akinsanya, was allegedly shot dead by policemen. . Youths in the area took to the streets to protest against the killing.
Read more: https://guardian.ng/news/one-killed-many-injured-as-police-officers-open-fire-in-ifo/
April 21
10 children killed, 30 injured as policeman rammed vehicle into peaceful procession.
Easter Sunday procession became a tragic festival of death in Gombe State, after a Policeman drove into a crowd of Boys Brigade members, leaving 10 children dead.
Read more: https://guardian.ng/news/10-dead-30-children-hurt-as-nigeria-policeman-rams-car-into-crowd/
DEATH REPORTED IN THE MEDIA PER STATE–
- Zamfara – 50
- Kaduna – 25
- Rivers – 14
- Delta – 4
- Imo – 3
- Lagos – 4
- Cross River – 3
- Ogun – 7
- Adamawa – 21
- FCT – 1
- Benue – 63
- Katsina – 50
- Nasarawa – 34
- Borno – 44
- Kogi – 4
- Ondo – 1
- Ebonyi – 8
- Taraba – 26
- Gombe – 10
- Ekiti – 2
- Plateau – 3
- Anambra – 6
TOTAL NUMBER OF CASUALTIES – 383
NUMBER OF SECURITY PERSONNEL KILLED – POLICE (2) SOLDIERS (5)