A review of recent events by PREMIUM TIMES has revealed a concerning surge in violence across Nigeria. At least 64 people were killed and 17 others abducted in 11 states during the past week. The analysis of media reports and expert insights identified 21 incidents of violence across five geopolitical regions, excluding the South-south. The incidents occurred between May 10th and 16th.

The North-east region recorded the highest number of violent cases, with 10 incidents targeting civilians and security forces. The North-west and North-central regions each experienced five incidents, while the South-east reported two and the South-west one. Insurgent groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP, were responsible for much of the devastation in the North-east. Other armed groups, such as Lakurawa insurgents and bandits, terrorized other regions, killing civilians, destroying property, and causing displacement. While the military claimed to have neutralized numerous terrorists, their atrocities against civilians continue to threaten the country’s stability, exacerbating food insecurity as many farmers become targets.

On May 10th, eight Tiv farmers were killed in Benue State. A day later, bandits kidnapped nine women in Zamfara State, and Bello Turji's gang forcibly displaced residents from 50 villages in Sokoto State. ISWAP militants overran military bases between May 12th and 13th, resulting in the deaths of at least seven soldiers in Dikwa and Marte LGAs. On May 13th, an IED attack on the Damboa-Maiduguri highway killed two education officials, and Lakurawa terrorists invaded Gwadabawa in Sokoto, setting buildings ablaze. The same day, armed men abducted an APC chairman in Ondo State, demanding a substantial ransom.

Separate attacks in Plateau State led to the deaths of three locals and the abduction of two others between May 12th and 13th. A communal clash in Taraba State claimed 16 lives between May 12th and 14th. On May 14th, bandits attacked Wuya in Zamfara State, killing two residents. In Anambra State, a lawyer, his client, and a security operative were killed in separate incidents between May 15th and 16th. On May 15th, armed men kidnapped a traditional ruler in Kogi State and insurgents killed 23 farmers and fishermen in Borno State. On the same day, bandits kidnapped four farmers in Zamfara State.

On May 16th, a farmer-herder conflict in Yobe State resulted in the death of a farmer and injuries to two others. Boko Haram insurgents attacked Wulgo in Borno State, targeting security operatives. In response to the escalating insecurity, President Bola Tinubu convened a meeting with security chiefs. The Chief of Defence Staff attributed the resurgence of terrorist attacks to a broader regional push by terrorists and jihadists in the Sahel area.