Fact Check: In April 2023, at least 40 people were killed in the neighboring state of Plateau, Nigeria, in a similar attack.

Fact Check: "In April 2023, at least 40 people were killed in the neighboring state of Plateau, Nigeria, in a similar attack."

What We Know

In April 2023, a violent attack occurred in Plateau State, Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of at least 40 individuals. Reports indicate that the attack was carried out by gunmen, believed to be herders, targeting a Christian farming community in the Zike area of Plateau State. According to Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, this incident is part of a broader pattern of violence in the region, where conflicts over land and resources have escalated in recent years (AP News, NPR). Eyewitness accounts suggest that the number of fatalities could be higher than initially reported, with local resident Andy Yakubu stating that he witnessed bodies after the attack and that the death toll might exceed 50 (AP News).

Analysis

The claim that at least 40 people were killed in Plateau State in April 2023 is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press and NPR both reported that President Tinubu confirmed the death toll and described the attack as part of a troubling trend of violence in Nigeria (AP News, NPR). Amnesty International has also documented the increasing violence in the region, indicating that between December 2023 and February 2024, 1,336 people were killed in Plateau State, highlighting the severity of the situation (NPR).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of reporting on international issues. However, it is important to note that local reports may vary in their casualty figures, with some sources suggesting that the death toll could be higher than 40 (AP News). This discrepancy can arise from the chaotic nature of such attacks and the challenges in gathering accurate information immediately following violent incidents.

Conclusion

The claim that at least 40 people were killed in Plateau State, Nigeria, in April 2023, is True. This assertion is substantiated by multiple credible sources, including statements from the Nigerian president and reports from reputable news organizations. The ongoing violence in the region underscores a significant humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by long-standing conflicts over land and resources.

Sources

1. Attack by gunmen leaves at least 40 people dead in Nigeria, the country ...
2. Attack leaves at least 40 people dead in Nigeria, the country's ... - NPR
3. Gunmen kill at least 52 people in Nigeria's Plateau state
4. 40 killed, 383 houses razed in Plateau attack as over 1,000 displaced
5. Plateau attacks: Over 30 people killed, many farms destroyed - Group ...
6. Intercommunal violence kills dozens in central Nigeria
7. 40 killed, 383 houses destroyed in Plateau attack
8. At least 100 people killed by gunmen in north-central ...