An investigative report has showed that jihadist Fulani herdsmen are responsible for an estimated 80% of killings in Nigeria’s South-East re...
An investigative report has showed that jihadist Fulani herdsmen are responsible for an estimated 80% of killings in Nigeria’s South-East region.
The report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (InterSociety) stated that out of an estimated 9800 killings in the region since 2015, over 8000 deaths were attributed to Jihadist attacks, with Enugu and Imo States bearing the brunt of the violence.
According to the report, the Jihadist groups have killed approximately 300 Christians in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
A notable incident occurred on February 2, 2025, in the Nkalaha area of Ishielu Local Government in Ebonyi State, where at least 20 individuals were allegedly hacked to death in an open attack, according to the report.
The report also implicated the Nigerian military, accusing them of extrajudicial killings.
The report alleged that between January and March 2025, the military was responsible for at least 200 deaths under the pretext of "neutralising" members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“The situation in the South-East has reached an alarming level, with about 600 secret locations identified as operational bases for Jihadist militants,” stated Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chairman of InterSociety.
“These groups operate in an estimated 1000 locations across Eastern Nigeria, wielding an estimated 400,000 illicit small arms and light weapons,” he added.
The breakdown of the death toll across the five South-East states according to the report, showed that Enugu State recorded 1,800 deaths between April 2016 – March 2025, with major attacks in Ugwu-Onyeama, Ugwuogo-Nike-Opi-Nsukka, and Nkanu East.
Also, Abia State, recorded 2,000 deaths between June 2015 – March 2025, with hotspots including Uturu, Umunneochi, and Isiukwuato. Imo State recorded 2,100 deaths between January 2020 – March 2025, notably in Okigwe, Orlu, Oguta, and Ohaji/Egbema.
While Ebonyi State recorded 1000 deaths between June 2015 – March 2025, including attacks in Ishielu, Izzi, and Ohaukwu, and Anambra State recorded 800 deaths between June 2015 – March 2025, with killings reported in Awka North, Dunukofia, and Orumba North.
The report alleged that the surge in attacks began following the inauguration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, accusing his administration of turning a blind eye to growing jihadist activities in the region.
“In the past decade, over 9,800 people have lost their lives due to jihadist violence in the South-East, while another 10,500 were killed by military operations targeting civilians based on ethnic and religious grounds,” the report added.
The Nigerian military has faced criticism for its operations in the region. “There is a pattern of selective law enforcement,” said a local activist who requested anonymity. “While jihadist groups continue their activities unchecked, innocent civilians are often labeled as terrorists and targeted.”
Also, the report highlighted the emergence of a coordinated jihadist alliance in Nigeria, allegedly formed in 2020 in Niger State. The alliance, according to the Intersociety, includes Boko Haram, ISWAP, Ansaru, and various Fulani militant groups.
Despite widespread public outcry, there has been no official response from the Nigerian government regarding the report’s claims yet. Security analysts warn that without urgent intervention, the situation in the South-East may further deteriorate.
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