Banditry: 578 Massacred in North Central States in Six Months
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: 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. BenueBetween 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: 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. PlateauIn Plateau, attacks started in December 2024, with a series of violent incidents in 2025. Notable attacks include: NasarawaNasarawa recorded a spike in deaths beginning in February 2025. Key incidents include: KogiKogi experienced intermittent attacks with the following fatalities: NigerIn Niger, bandits carried out sporadic attacks: KwaraKwara 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.