Agatu massacres explained
The Agatu attacks and massacres occurred in Agatu, Benue State,[3] [4] [5] 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.[6]
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.[7] [8] 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."[9] [10]
Afterwards, several small scale attacks continued through Benue State and central Nigeria.[11]
Senator Mark later claimed he was fortunate to escape an ambush by suspected assailants, on a condolence visit to the area.[12]
President Buhari and members of the Nigerian security apparatus were criticised for their handling of the situation.[13] [14] [15]
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 unleash terror of their victims leaving 26 people, including and children, dead just a day after president Muhammad Buhari promise to visit the state.[16]
See also
External links
Notes and References
- Web site: Agatu Massacre – It’s Time to Do the Right Thing [opinion]]. Jul 15 / 2016.
- https://www.naij.com/744233-300-feared-dead-fulani-herdsmen-unleash-terror-nigerian-communities.html 300 confirmed dead as Fulani herdsmen attack communities
- http://ipnnews.info/agatu-massacre-villagers-take-arms-fulani-terrorist-herdsmen-attack/ Agatu Massacre: Villagers Take Up Arms After Fulani Terrorist Herdsmen Attack.
- http://www.csw.org.uk/2016/04/07/news/3055/article.htm Ten villages under siege by Fulani herders.
- http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/agatugenocide-beyond-human-comprehension-as-more-attacks-likely-without-governments-quick-actions/ Agatu: Beyond human comprehension, as more attacks likely without government’s quick actions.
- http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/200426-exclusive-struck-agatu-fulani-herdsmen.html EXCLUSIVE: Why we struck in Agatu — Fulani herdsmen.
- http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/200014-500-killed-agatu-genocide-ex-senate-president-david-mark.html Over 500 killed in Agatu "genocide" — Ex-Senate President David Mark.
- http://theeagleonline.com.ng/over-500-killed-in-agatu-genocide-david-mark/ Over 500 killed in Agatu ‘genocide’ – David Mark
- http://punchng.com/agatu-killings-death-toll-blown-out-of-proportion-arase/ Agatu killings: Death toll blown out of proportion – Arase.
- http://newtelegraphonline.com/news/agatu-killings-igp-condemns-exaggerated-figures/ Agatu killings: IGP condemns exaggerated figures
- http://www.christiantoday.com/article/nigeria.hundreds.killed.and.churches.burned.in.latest.fulani.massacre/83597.htm Nigeria: Hundreds killed and churches burned in latest Fulani massacre
- http://www.reportsafrique.com/2016/03/agatumassacre-david-mark-others-narrowly-escape-fulani-attack-in-agatu/
- AGATUMASSACRE | David Mark, Others Narrowly Escape Fulani Attack in Agatu.
- http://punchng.com/agatu-killings-and-buharis-moral-weakness/ Agatu killings and Buhari’s moral weakness
- http://dailypost.ng/2016/03/18/agatu-killings-benue-lawmakers-blast-buhari-dambazu/ Agatu killings: Benue lawmakers blast Buhari, Dambazu.
- News: Agatu Massacre: Victims accuse Buhari’s govt of insensitivity . 19 March 2016 . Vanguard . Peter . Duru . 25 March 2019 .
- https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/26-killed-herdsmen-sack-benue-village-fresh-attack/.html 26 killed as herdsmen sack Benue village in fresh attack.
