Farmers in Northern Nigeria Face Deadly Attacks

In Gwoza, Borno State, farmers have endured significant danger for years, particularly highlighted by an attack in April 2025 where gunmen killed at least 14 farmers. This violence is attributed to Boko Haram and follows a pattern of attacks, including a January 2025 incident near Lake Chad that reportedly resulted in 40 deaths, with local militia suggesting the actual toll could exceed 100.

The violence stems from disputes over farmland control among various armed groups, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits, making farming one of the most perilous occupations in the region. The United Nations and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) report that over 3.7 million people in Nigeria are displaced, primarily due to conflict and banditry in the northeast and northwest.

Displaced families, such as those in Kuchingoro near Abuja, face dire living conditions, with inadequate shelter and sanitation, raising concerns about potential health crises like cholera outbreaks.