Over 2.2 million Nigerians in middle belt states have been rendered homeless in the space of seven years on the back of violent farmers and herders’ clashes.
A new report by the research firm, SBM Intelligence, titled ‘A Threat to National Stability’ shows that from 2019 to February 2025 — when the research was carried out — more than 2.2 million civilians have lost their homes in Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa States in the middle belt area of Nigeria.
The violent clashes by farmers and herders in major food producing states have taken a heavy toll not only on farmers but also civilians.
“Over 2.2 million people have been displaced due to the conflict, particularly in the middle belt states such as Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa. Thousands have sought refuge in IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps, while others have fled to neighbouring countries,” the SBM report read.
“The conflict’s nature has transformed dramatically since 2010, with traditional dispute resolution mechanisms collapsing as sophisticated weaponry flooded the region.”
The report showcases what has escalated to become Nigeria’s nemesis: plummeting food production and increasing food prices.
“What were once minor clashes mediated with sticks now involve AK-47s and military-grade firearms, enabling systematic violence, including crop destruction and land appropriation,” the report said.
It noted that government responses have proven inadequate. It explained that the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) remains poorly implemented, while anti-open grazing laws face enforcement challenges and political resistance.
Likewise, security operations provide only temporary relief but fail to address root causes. The conflict’s ethnic and religious politicisation, including accusations of ‘Fulanisation’, has further entrenched divisions.
To address the issue, the SBM report noted that a sustainable multifaceted approach is urgently needed, including land reforms to clarify grazing rights, robust arms control measures, climate adaptation programmes, and depoliticised dialogue.
“With attacks spreading southward and displacement figures rising yearly, Nigeria faces a narrowing window to prevent this pastoral conflict from becoming an irreversible national catastrophe.”
“The time for coordinated action is now – further delay only deepens the crisis, threatening Nigeria’s unity, food security, and democratic fabric,” it added.
The report reflects the burden of farmers in Africa’s most populous nation, the constant fear they live in, and the dangers that come with farming.
The SBM disclosed that in Benue, the IDP camp is overfilled with more than 300,000 people who have been forced out of their homes due to clashes amongst farmers and herders. These clashes, according to the report, stem from religious and pastoral disagreements.
Ukum, Katsina-Ala, and Logo local governments of Benue State have over the years become hot spot areas due to ongoing herdsmen conflict.
Herders now occupy most of these areas, leading to the mass displacement of residents, many of whom have fled to neighbouring towns such as Adikpo and Zaki-Biam for safety.
“The ongoing pastoral conflict in Nigeria has had devastating consequences, affecting lives, the economy, security, and social cohesion. Per SBM count, 542 civilians have been killed since 2019, with entire villages attacked and reduced to ruins,”CONTINUE READING the report noted.
A previous report by SBM last year noted that over 690 deaths and 130 casualties were recorded in Ukum and other local government areas of Benue.
Only recently, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue raised alarm over alleged poisoning and rustling of members’ cattle by criminal elements in the Agatu local government area of the state.
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