The Middle Belt of Nigeria, a region characterised by its ethnic and religious diversity, has been a focal point for farmer-herder conflicts. These clashes, primarily between sedentary farmers and nomadic Fulani herders, have escalated in the post-military democratic era, leading to significant humanitarian crises and challenging the nation’s governance structures.
Historical Context
Historically, the Middle Belt has been a zone of interaction between various ethnic groups, including predominantly Christian farmers and Muslim Fulani herders. The roots of their conflicts can be traced back to colonial policies that disrupted traditional land tenure systems and introduced new administrative boundaries. Post-independence, these tensions were exacerbated by rapid population growth, environmental degradation, and the expansion of agricultural activities into areas traditionally used for grazing.
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Key Drivers of Conflict
1. Competition for Land and Resources
The primary catalyst for clashes is the competition over land and water resources. As agricultural activities intensify, farmers encroach upon grazing routes, leading to confrontations with herders. Climate change has further strained these resources, pushing herders southward in search of pasture and water, thereby increasing the frequency of conflicts.
2. Ethno-Religious Tensions
The Middle Belt’s demographic composition, predominantly Christian farmers and Muslim Fulani herders, has introduced an ethno-religious dimension to the conflicts. While the disputes are primarily over land, they are often perceived through the lens of religious and ethnic identities, fueling animosities and complicating peace efforts.
3. Weak Governance and Security Challenges
The decentralisation of security responsibilities to local governments has led to inconsistent enforcement of laws and policies. In many instances, local authorities are either unable or unwilling to address the root causes of the conflicts, allowing them to escalate unchecked. Additionally, the proliferation of small arms among both farmers and herders has militarised the disputes, making them more deadly.
Notable Incidents and Escalation
Several incidents have highlighted the severity of the farmer-herder conflicts in the Middle Belt:
- Agatu Massacres (2016): In Agatu, Benue State, over 300 individuals were killed, and thousands were displaced due to attacks by suspected Fulani herders. The attacks were reportedly in retaliation for the killing of cattle.
- Umogidi Massacre (2023): In April 2023, Fulani herders attacked the village of Umogidi in Benue State during a funeral, killing at least 53 civilians.
- Plateau State Massacres (2023): Between December 23 and 25, 2023, coordinated attacks in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas resulted in approximately 200 deaths and over 500 injuries. The attacks were believed to have been carried out by Fulani militias.
Government Response and Policy Initiatives
The Nigerian government has implemented various policies to address the farmer-herder conflicts:
- National Grazing Reserves: Established in the 1960s, these reserves aimed to provide designated areas for grazing. However, they have been largely ineffective due to lack of enforcement and encroachment by other land users.
- Ruga Settlement Initiative (2019): Proposed by the federal government, the initiative aimed to create settlements for herders to address their needs. The plan faced widespread opposition from various states and was eventually suspended.
- State-Level Policies: Some states, like Benue, have enacted anti-open grazing laws to restrict herders’ movements. However, these laws have been met with resistance from herders and have not been effectively enforced.
Humanitarian Impact
The ongoing conflicts have had devastating effects on local communities:
- Displacement: Thousands of individuals have been displaced from their homes, leading to overcrowded internally displaced persons (IDP) camps with limited access to basic amenities.
- Loss of Livelihoods: Both farmers and herders have suffered significant losses, including destruction of crops, livestock, and properties, leading to economic hardships.
- Casualties: The violent nature of the clashes has resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries, straining local healthcare systems and increasing the burden on emergency services.
Pathways to Peace
Addressing the farmer-herder conflicts requires a multifaceted approach:
- Dialogue and Mediation: Establishing platforms for dialogue between farmers, herders, and government representatives can help in understanding grievances and finding common ground.
- Land Use Planning: Implementing comprehensive land use policies that delineate areas for farming and grazing can reduce conflicts over land resources.
- Community Engagement: Involving local communities in decision-making processes ensures that policies are context-specific and have local support.
- Strengthening Security: Enhancing the capacity of security agencies to respond promptly to conflicts and ensuring accountability can deter perpetrators and build trust within communities.
The farmer-herder clashes in Nigeria’s Middle Belt are emblematic of broader challenges facing the nation, including resource management, ethnic relations, and governance. While the conflicts have deep historical roots, their escalation in the democratic era underscores the need for comprehensive and inclusive approaches to conflict resolution. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring sustainable peace and development in the region.
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Author’s Note
Farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria’s Middle Belt have escalated due to competition over land and resources, ethno-religious tensions, and weak governance. Notable incidents, such as the Agatu, Umogidi, and Plateau State massacres, have highlighted the severity of these clashes. Government responses, including the establishment of grazing reserves and the Ruga Settlement Initiative, have faced challenges in enforcement. The humanitarian impact has been significant, with widespread displacement and loss of livelihoods. A multifaceted approach involving dialogue, land use planning, community engagement, and strengthened security is essential for addressing these conflicts.
The farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria’s Middle Belt are complex and multifaceted, requiring comprehensive and inclusive approaches to resolve. Addressing the root causes, enhancing governance, and promoting dialogue are crucial steps towards achieving sustainable peace and development in the region.
References
- Nwankwo, C. F. (2023). The Moral Economy of the Agatu “Massacre”. PMC.
- Umogidi massacre. (2023). Wikipedia.
- 2023 Plateau State massacres. (2023). Wikipedia.
