This month’s report shows an increase in the fatality rate most especially in Sokoto, North-west region of the country, Nigeria, where about 50 persons were killed by bandits on the same day in three different LGAs across the state. Compared to the total deaths of last month, this month, June, 2023, had a total of more than 634 deaths (this includes terrorist, security personnel and civilians). This indicates that death rate increases on a monthly basis.
With a thorough observation of the conflict incidents the month of June, attacks were higher in the North-west, armed clash in the North-east, abduction in the North-central and looting/property destruction in the South-west.
Table 1: Number of Deaths across all the Regions in Nigeria
| S/N | Regions | Frequency | Percentage |
| 1 | North west | 176 | 27.7% |
| 2 | North central | 175 | 27.6% |
| 3 | North east | 253 | 40% |
| 4 | South west | 6 | 1% |
| 5 | South east | 9 | 1.4% |
| 6 | South-south | 15 | 2.3% |
| Total | 634 | 100 |
The table above depicts the increase in the number of deaths across all the regions in Nigeria. In the North-west a total of 176 (27.7%) death was recorded, 175 (27.6%) in the North-central, 253 (40%) in the North-east, 6 (1%) in the South-west, 9 (1.4%) in the South-east and about 15 (2.3%) in the South-south. This also indicates that there is a drastic increase in the number of deaths in the North-west and North-east but records a fewer of number of deaths in the North-central and in the South compared to death rate in the previous month.
Violence Incidents in Nigeria
The reported issues of violence in the various zones in Nigeria includes;
Kidnapping/Banditry
Banditry or kidnapping is one of the most frequently occurred issue of violence in the northern part of Nigeria. For this reason, there is need for the increase in the level of security personnel in the states. In response to this month’s report, the level of abducted victims tends to be higher in the North-central and North-west region with few cases in the other regions.
Proscribed armed groups and other Attacks
As conflict rises, battles between security personnel in fight for civilian’s safety and actors of conflict also increase. This is to say that more personnel need to be trained as the conflict actors are always to go to battle with the security personnel. However, during these clashes, more than 170 terrorists were killed by security personnel during an air/drone strike in Borno state[1] and few deaths in the North-west region. These reveals a high level of attacks by armed men in the North-east and North-western part of Nigeria leading to a high level of clash between security personnel.
Farmer-Herders’ Conflict
Farmer herders’ conflict is one of the basic issues ravaging in the North-central region and few cases in other regions. However, from observation of this month’s (June, 2023) report, it was learnt that there was less record of the incidence of farmer herders’ conflict.
Cultism and Robbery
The issue of cultism and robbery basically revolves around the South-south and South-west. Nevertheless, with indication, there is a substantial decrease in clashes between cultist groups in the South-south and South-west region.
Protests and Riots
Protest and riots have completely declined in all the regions. Although, there were few cases of riots in the Northern region of Nigeria compared to the past few months, protests and riots have declined.
Looting and Property Destruction
Few incidents of looting and property destruction were reported at the end of June. It was reported that an unidentified armed group suspected to be affiliated with an opposition party vandalized the Tinubu-Shettima campaign office in Yola (Yola-North, Adamawa), North-east. And in the South-west, there were also few records of property destruction of the Labour party in Agege, Lagos and Ogbomosho North, Oyo state. Although, there was no record of any death as a result of the destruction.
Conclusions and Recommendation
Generally, there tend to be an increase in the total number of deaths in Nigeria. This is caused as a result of the increased level of attacks by different violent actors in the country. Deaths caused by attacks were recorded as the highest (257 Deaths), followed by Air/drone strikes which had a total number of 190 deaths, 172 deaths caused by armed clashes, 8 deaths caused by clashes between different cult groups and 7 deaths caused by riots and protest in Nigeria.
Addressing violence issues in Nigeria requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach.
1. Strengthen law enforcement and security: it is important for the Government to enhance the capacity, training, and resources of law enforcement agencies to effectively respond to violence. This includes improving intelligence gathering, investigation techniques, and community policing initiatives.
2. Promote conflict resolution and mediation: Especially in regions that are faced with communal conflicts, it is important to encourage the use of peaceful and nonviolent methods to resolve disputes at the community and national levels. And also, establish and support community-based conflict resolution mechanisms, such as traditional mediation councils or local peace committees.
3. Invest in youth development: The removal of fuel subsidy has led to the increase in transportation and inflation of goods and services. Unemployment is likely to rise to 41.7% in 2023, so there is need to invest in youth development as the youths covers more than 60% of the country’s population. Provide opportunities for education, skill development, and employment for young people. Engage youth in decision-making processes, empower them to be agents of change, and discourage their involvement in violence through targeted programs.
If these and other thematic areas are not considered, conflict will tend to rise.
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