Nigeria — North Central & North West Flash Report #62 (19 – 25 July 2021)

Nigeria's North Central and North West Zones are afflicted with a multidimensional crisis that is rooted in long-standing tensions between ethnic and religious groups and involves attacks by criminal groups and banditry/hirabah (such as kidnapping and grand larceny along major highways). The crisis has accelerated during the past years because of the intensification of attacks and has resulted in widespread displacement across the region.

 

Between 19 and 25 July 2021, armed clashes between herdsmen and farmers; and bandits and local communities has led to new waves of population displacement. Following these events, rapid assessments were conducted by DTM (Displacement Tracking Matrix) field staff with the purpose of informing the humanitarian community and government partners, and enable targeted response. Flash reports utilise direct observation and a broad network of key informants to gather representative data and collect information on the number, profile and immediate needs of affected populations.

 

The latest incidents affected 1,479 individuals including 16 injuries and 24 fatalities in Bakura LGA of Zamfara State and Guma LGA of Benue State. They were displaced to either neighbouring wards or LGAs in same state.