• Unidentified attackers killed over 50 people in Nigeria's Plateau state
• President Bola Tinubu vows to investigate and curb the escalating violence
• The conflict is driven by land disputes between herders and farmers

At least 52 people were killed on Sunday night in the Plateau state of Nigeria when unidentified attackers targeted the Zike and Kimakpa communities, according to Red Cross sources. The assault came just weeks after a similar attack claimed 48 lives in a nearby area, highlighting a concerning trend of escalating violence in a region marked by intercommunal conflict and struggles over land use, particularly between Christian farmers and Muslim herders. Dorcas John, a resident of Zike, recounted the chaos, stating, "The attackers... came into the community and were shooting anywhere, and they killed eight people," while local reports noted that many were caught by surprise and unable to escape, according to TRT Global.

In response to the violence, President Bola Tinubu has expressed his commitment to addressing the crisis, stating, "I have instructed security agencies to thoroughly investigate this crisis and identify those responsible for orchestrating these violent acts." He emphasized that "enough is enough" without further delay. Amnesty International reports that since January, more than 1,300 people have been killed in Plateau state alone amid a backdrop of weakening security measures and repeated attacks, bringing to light the urgent need for governmental intervention, according to Le Monde.

The incidents reflect deep-seated tensions exacerbated by competing land claims and environmental pressures, particularly as the climate crisis intensifies challenges for grazing rights. John Adamu of Kimakpa noted an alarming death toll of 39 in his village alone during this latest assault, underscoring the pervasive danger in rural Plateau state where law enforcement is often absent, creating an environment ripe for violence and retaliation, according to NPR.

Statements from local officials illustrate the multifaceted nature of this violence, with ethnic and religious divides highlighting a complex social fabric. For instance, the Irigwe Development Association reported that over 75 individuals from the Irigwe ethnic group have been killed since late 2024. This ongoing conflict is part and parcel of a larger pattern of violence affecting the region, where disputes between farmers and herders infrequently escalate into deadly confrontations, highlighting a grim reality for many communities. Local groups have warned that if left unchecked, the situation threatens to spiral further into anarchy, according to Le Monde.