Nigeria: Benue State at the center of Fulani attacks

As reported by the Daily Post Nigeria on 2 June 2021, Benue State Governor Ortom"s Deputy, Benson Abounu, has confirmed that 60 civilians in Ado Local Government Area (LGA) were killed by suspected Fulani militia on 30 May 2021. Hundreds fled the area. Just a few days later on 6 June 2021, 40 residents were killed in a similar attack in Agatu LGA, as reported by Sahara Reporters on 7 June 2021. Deputy Abonu has called on President Muhammadu Buhari, the Sultan of Sokoto, Lamido of Adamawa and other opinion leaders in the North to use their influence on Fulani herdsmen and militia to stop the killings. Frans Veerman, Managing Director of World Watch Research is shocked by the continual killings and states: "Again 100 precious lives have been lost. It seems that the security forces are powerless against the violence of Fulani militia. But are they? More and more people in the country are wondering whether it is really more a question of unwillingness (rather than powerlessness) to protect civilians. Of those killed in these attacks, many are likely to have been Christians."