On the night of April 13, 2025, gunmen believed to be Fulani herders attacked the predominantly Christian farming community of Zike in Plateau State, north-central Nigeria. The assault resulted in at least 40 fatalities, with some reports suggesting the death toll may exceed 50. Victims included children and the elderly, who were reportedly unable to flee due to the suddenness of the attack.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the violence, ordering a thorough investigation and extending condolences to the victims’ families. Amnesty International has called for an independent inquiry into the security lapses that allowed the attack to occur.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence in Plateau State. Between December 2023 and February 2024, Amnesty International reported that 1,336 people were killed in the region, with over 29,000 displaced.
The conflict stems from long-standing disputes over land and resources between farmers and herders, exacerbated by ethnic and religious tensions. Despite increased security measures, such attacks continue to destabilize the region.
