Nigeria hits 216 killings a week, Plateau tops table with 142
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
At least 2,968 people were killed in terrorist attacks across Nigeria in the first quarter of the year ended March (Q1 2022). That translates to an average 989.33 killings a month, 247.33 a week, and 32.97 a day.
Last week (10 to 16 April) recorded the second highest number of 216 in a week – an average 30.85 per day – so far this year, more than an eight-fold rise on 25 deaths the previous week.
Those killed last week include four police officers.
More than half the victims (142) were murdered in Plateau. Other states with high mass killings include Ebonyi (26) and Benue (23).
All the six zones, except the South South, recorded at least one death by violence.
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Compilation of killings
PREMIUM TIMES compiled the killings from media reports. Unreported cases are not included. The tally would be higher if all deaths from terrorism are reported.
North East – 1
Taraba. Armed men on 11 April invaded a mosque in Maisamari in Sardauna Council and killed District Head Abdulkadir Sufiyanu.
Residents said the assailants stormed the area around 8pm after the breaking of Ramadan fast and shot Sufiyanu while he was performing night prayers.
North West – 15
Kaduna. Village Head Isiaku Madaki and 14 others were killed in Kakura in Chikun Council in the early hours of 11 April.
A resident, Baban David, said the deceased was installed as leader only two days before.
North Central – 165
Plateau. Gunmen killed at least 142 in Kanam and Wase Councils on 10 April.
The attacks were carried out in Kukawa, Gyambawu, Dungur, Kyaram, Yelwa, Dadda, Wanka, Shuwaka, Gwammadaji, and Dadin Kowa communities.
Three days after the attack, the lawmaker representing the area said 92 were killed. However, an aide to Governor Simon Lalong insisted the death toll was 142.
President Muhammadu Buhari directed security agencies not to spare or forgive the murderers in Plateau.
A statement issued by his Media Assistant Garba Shehu said Buhari ordered law enforcement agencies to work with the state government to bring the situation under control and to ensure the culprits face justice quickly.
“They should not be spared or forgiven,” Buhari said.
Benue. At least 23 were killed on 11 April when cattle herders attacked two communities – Mbadwem in Guman Council and Tiortyu in Tiortyu Council.
South East – 34
Enugu. Masked gunmen on 10 April killed a passenger and set a Toyota Sienna ablaze at the popular Holy Ghost roundabout in Enugu North Council.
The gunmen, said to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) enforcing the Monday sit-at-home order, also snatched a minibus.
Anambra. Armed men on 13 April stormed the divisional police headquarters in Atani in Ogbaru Council killing four people.
Anambra State Police Command Public Relations Officer Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the attack happened around 11am.
About 24 hours later, the police said gunmen also hit Nteje divisional police headquarters in Oyi Council on 14 April around 3am.
One of the gunmen was killed during a shootout, according the police.
Ebonyi. Suspected assassins on 11 April killed a businessman in Abakaliki, Issac Chukwu, a week before his wedding.
Death toll from the recent attack on residents of Effium/Ezza-Effium community in Ohaukwu and part of Ebonyi Council climbed up to 26 after murderers invaded the communities in the early morning of 10 April.
Imo. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) suspended the Continuous Voter Registration Exercise (CVR) in Ihitte Uboma Council following the murder of its official, Nwokorie Anthony, on 14 April.
Anthony was shot dead at Nkwo Ihitte (PU 004) in Amakohia Ward (RA 02) where continuous voter registration was ongoing.
At least four other people were injured.
South West – 1
Osun. Gunmen on 10 April killed All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Atakumosa East Central Council, Gbenga Ogbara.
He was shot dead in his sitting room in the early hours in Igangan, his hometown.