6 killed, 80 houses burned as violence rocks Nigeria

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - At least six people have been killed and over 80 houses burned in fresh conflicts in Nigeria’s northeastern Taraba state between Mumuye farmer and Fulani pastoral communities, according to the police.

Local police spokesman David Misal said at least 24 persons have been arrested while representatives have been drafted to restore peace to the area.

“There were six deaths on both sides, while over 80 properties, including houses, were burned down in the hostilities in five communities of the Lau local government,” Misal told Anadolu Agency Tuesday morning.

Locals said the fresh clashes over the weekend started when Mumuye farmers launched attacks on two Fulani communities -- the Mayo-Kunga and Bonja. Two persons were reportedly killed in the Bonja attack.

“The Fulani launched reprisals on Mumuye farming communities on Saturday as a result of earlier raids by some youths. In all, we are aware that around 20 people were killed, and animals were also killed,” Lucas Ndjimi, who works for local group Democratic Alternatives, told Anadolu Agency in a telephone interview.

Like many other states in Nigeria’s agrarian Middle Belt, Taraba has been a flashpoint of ethno-religious crisis often involving Fulani herdsmen and farmers who clash over land ownership rights.

Such clashes have been aggravated in recent years by climate change, which forces the migration of people in search of fertile land and water, as well as the government's failure to properly address these conflicts and politicians exploiting the country's volatile ethno-religious makeup.