Agatu massacres

The Agatu attacks and massacres occurred in Agatu, Benue State,Agatu Massacre: Villagers Take Up Arms After Fulani Terrorist Herdsmen Attack. IPN News; 25 May 2016.Ten villages under siege by Fulani herders. Christian Solidarity Worldwide, 7 Apr 2016.Agatu: Beyond human comprehension, as more attacks likely without government’s quick actions. On 14 March 2016, 8:04 pm. Vanguard Nigeria. began in late February 2016 and continued for several days into March.

Background Agatu is in the State of Benue close to Nigeria's centre, where several different ethnic groups meet.

Possible motives and causes It is believed that the attack was committed in retaliation for the killing of the Fulanis' cows.EXCLUSIVE: Why we struck in Agatu — Fulani herdsmen. Premium Times, 19 March 2016; by Emmanuel Mayah, Sani Tukur and Hassan Adebayo.

Former Senate President David Mark also pointed out that the Benue South senatorial district were his constituents and hinted at a possible political motivation for these attacks.

Aftermath

According to the Nigerian politician Senator David Mark, over 500 people have been killed.Over 500 killed in Agatu "genocide" — Ex-Senate President David Mark. 12 March 2016Over 500 killed in Agatu ‘genocide’ – David Mark, The Eagle Online. However, this number has been disputed. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) said as reported by Punch Nigeria newspaper that "I was around, I travelled to Benue State, I did not see where 300 people were buried."Agatu killings: Death toll blown out of proportion – Arase. Published 12 March 2016.Agatu killings: IGP condemns exaggerated figures; New Telegraph. Posted on 11 Mar 2016 - 1:55pm by Dan Atori. Archive, from the original on 11 February 2017.

Afterwards, several small scale attacks continued through Benue State and central Nigeria.Nigeria: Hundreds killed and churches burned in latest Fulani massacre; Ruth Gledhill, Christian Today. 8 April 2016.

Senator Mark later claimed he was fortunate to escape an ambush by suspected assailants, on a condolence visit to the area.#AGATUMASSACRE | David Mark, Others Narrowly Escape Fulani Attack in Agatu. Reports Afrique on 12 March 2016 at 12:40 pm.

President Buhari and members of the Nigerian security apparatus were criticised for their handling of the situation.Agatu killings and Buhari’s moral weakness, Punch Nigeria; 24 March. 2016Agatu killings: Benue lawmakers blast Buhari, Dambazu. By Ameh Comrade Godwin on 18 March 2016; Punch Nigeria (Punchng.com).

2018 Tragedy struck again on 4 March 2018 in Omusu village, Ojigo ward in Edumoga, Okpokwu local government area of Benue State as suspected herdsmen unleashed terror on their victims leaving 26 people, including women and children, dead just a day after president Muhammad Buhari promised to visit the state.26 killed as herdsmen sack Benue village in fresh attack. Vanguard, 7 March 2018; by Peter Duru.

Agatu massacres

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