244 slain in Benue, 137 in Plateau, 104 in Nasarawa, 57 in Kogi
By Oluseye Ojo, Lagos; Scholastica Hir, Makurdi; Jude Owuamanam, Jos; Abel Leonard, Lafia; and Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
Between November 2024 and April 2025, at least 578 Nigerians were killed by armed bandits, killer herders, and other criminal groups across the six North Central states, according to findings by Saturday Sun. This figure was compiled from media reports of multiple attacks in the region during the specified period. State-by-State Breakdown:
- Benue State recorded the highest number of fatalities, with at least 244 deaths, accounting for 42% of the total.
- Plateau State followed with 137 deaths, 24% of the total.
- Nasarawa State had 104 deaths (18%).
- Kogi State recorded 57 deaths (10%).
- Niger State and Kwara State had 29 and 7 deaths, respectively, making up 5% and 1% of the total.
The data, gathered from media sources, comes in the absence of official government or security reports. It is possible that unreported cases exist, which could increase the death toll.
Benue
Between November 2024 and April 2025, suspected armed herders were responsible for over 27 attacks across Benue State, including Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Otukpo, Guma, and Makurdi, resulting in 244 deaths. Notable incidents include:
- November 2024: Four attacks, 44 deaths.
- December 25, 2024: An attack in Kwande killed 30 people and displaced thousands.
- January 2025: One attack, one death.
- February 2025: Four attacks, 33 deaths.
- March 2025: Five attacks, 33 deaths.
- April 2025: Over 10 attacks, 103 deaths.
Victims included farmers, hunters, and a policeman. In March, several people were murdered in brutal attacks, including five farmers thrown into the River Katsina-Ala.
Plateau
In Plateau, attacks started in December 2024, with a series of violent incidents in 2025. Notable attacks include:
- December 23, 2024: 15 killed in Ganawuri, Riyom LGA.
- March 2025: Three attacks, including the deaths of two police officers and the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN).
- April 2025: Several major attacks, with 52 killed in Bokkos, 3 killed in Bassa, and 53 killed in Zike Kimakpa.
Nasarawa
Nasarawa recorded a spike in deaths beginning in February 2025. Key incidents include:
- February 2025: Three soldiers killed in Katakpa Toto.
- March 2025: 20 people killed in Nasarawa LGA.
- April 2025: 78 killed in coordinated attacks across four LGAs: Obi, Awe, Doma, and Keana.
Kogi
Kogi experienced intermittent attacks with the following fatalities:
- November 2024: 7 deaths in Lokoja.
- December 2024: 12 deaths.
- March 2025: 15 deaths.
- April 2025: 12 deaths.
Niger
In Niger, bandits carried out sporadic attacks:
- November 2024: Multiple attacks, including the deaths of 7 and 1 student.
- December 2024: 1 person killed by IED in Bassa-Unguwar Road.
- February 2025: 1 person killed.
- February 26, 2025: 19 farmers killed in Karaga village, Shiroro LGA.
Kwara
Kwara recorded its only bandit-related fatalities on April 21, 2025, in Ilesha Baruba and Kemanji communities, with 7 killed.
The figures reflect the ongoing insecurity in the North Central states, exacerbated by armed bandits and herders, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention and effective security measures.
