Resolution on the recent attacks on Christmas Eve in Plateau State in Nigeria

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the recent attacks on Christmas Eve in Plateau State in Nigeria.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA and ECR groups.

The security situation in Nigeria has been aggravated by an escalation of religious, ethnic and intercommunal conflicts, particularly in the country’s Middle Belt, where the conflict between farmers and nomadic herders over land and water resources has resulted in an unprecedented death toll since Christmas.

Between 23 and 25 December 2023, gunmen launched a large-scale attack on more than 160 villages in the Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Magu authority areas of Plateau State, causing the deaths of over 335 people, including at least 200 members of Christian communities.

Many of the displaced are currently living in temporary camps with limited access to water, sanitation, food, medication and healthcare, including mental health services.

Parliament strongly condemned the acts of violence over Christmas targeting Christians and other communities, which resulted in an unprecedented number of deaths, injuries and displacements, and expressed its solidarity with those affected.

The Nigerian authorities are called on to:

- take action against militant Islamist groups exploiting the farmer-herder conflict, and urge them to address its root causes;

- conduct a thorough, independent investigation of the Christmas attacks and ensure that those responsible are held to account;

- enhance the security of communities, foster interreligious and intercultural dialogue, conflict mediation, peace-building and reaffirm its commitment to socio-economic recovery.

Parliament urged all humanitarian actors to ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to addressing the crisis.