Joint Nigerian — Beninese Operation Leaves Scores of Fulani Herders Dead at Border BODY: Lagos, Nigeria – In a tragic incident near the Nigerian-Beninese border, a joint operation involving Nigerian and Beninese militias, alongside Nigerian military personnel, has resulted in the deaths of scores of ethnic Fulani herders. Local sources estimate that at least 41 herders lost their lives during the operation, which was conducted in the Borgu district of Niger State, Nigeria.
The operation was reportedly carried out in response to allegations that the herders were informants for the jihadist group Ansaru. This incident is part of a wider context in the Sahel region, characterized by religious, ethnic, and economic tensions, along with the rise of jihadist activities and cattle rustling. Community leaders and sources describe the action as a ‘pre-emptive’measure to counter a perceived threat from the herders, who were accused of planning to disrupt farming activities.
Vigilantes from the Bussa district were also involved in the operation.
However, the exact level of involvement of the Nigerian military and Beninese authorities remains unclear, with no official confirmation yet issued. Humanitarian sources have provided a slightly lower death toll, indicating potential discrepancies in reporting.
The Nigerian military has not yet offered an official statement on the incident, which could suggest a lack of transparency or a desire to downplay the severity of the event.
The Fulani community, many of whom are herders, has been at the center of this crisis. Their presence in ‘bandit’gangs has led to authorities closing down cattle markets, impacting the livelihoods of many Fulani.
Additionally, the community is often targeted by armed groups themselves.
The incident has raised concerns about escalating tensions between the Fulani and other ethnic groups in the region. Regional authorities have yet to comment on the military’s exact role in the raid or the involvement of the Beninese authorities.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for an investigation and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflicts in the Sahel region.
The event underscores the complex and volatile security situation in the Sahel, where pastoralist communities like the Fulani find themselves in the midst of competing interests and violent extremism.
As the region faces these challenges, the urgency for effective, transparent, and accountable security responses grows.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
