List of massacres in Nigeria


The following is a list of massacres that have occurred in Nigeria:

Lists of massacres

''Note: below categories may be imprecise and somewhat overlap. Reports sometimes misattribute motivation as well as the attacks possibly having mixed/multiple motivations. For example, a communal conflict between herders and farmers may appear motivated by religion and thus be categorized as "religious massacre" because of the religion of the involved parties.''

Political and religious motivated massacres

NameDateDeathsInvolvedLocation – Circumstances
Kano riot1953~46political/ethnic riotconflicts between pro- vs anti- independence groups with political parties which also happened to largely sort into Southern vs Northern, Christian vs Muslim etc..
Tiv Riots1960-19642,000–4,000Various groupsBenue State, Northern region, Benue valley – Occurred during protests for the creation of Benue state from the Northern region
1966 Anti-Igbo pogromJuly and August 19668000-30,000Nigerian Army, Hausa-Fulani and othersNorthern Nigeria – Targeted killings of Igbo people in Northern Nigeria in revenge for the coup of January 15, 1966.
Asaba massacreOctober 7, 1967Up to 500 menNigerian 2nd DivisionDelta State, Asaba – Occurred during the Nigerian-Biafran War
Ugep MassacreDecember 24, 197565>Nigerian ArmyCross River State, Ugep – Occurred after soldiers accused towns people of murdering a drunk soldier
Bakolori MassacreMarch 28, 1980380PoliceZamfara State, Bakolori – The government of the defunct Sokoto State wanted to build a dam in Bakolori, and offered to resettle the people. They refused and the police moved in to forcefully resettle them.
1980 Yan Tatsine riotsDec 18-29, 1980est. 4,177 civilians, 100 police, 35 militaryreligious insurgencyinstigated by Maitatsine and his followers in Kano
Umuechem MassacreNovember 1, 1990~85PoliceRivers State, Umuechem – After a protest at Shell's office by youths of the town demanding for electricity, water, roads and compensation following environmental degradation, the police moved in and massacred the town.
Odi massacreNovember 20, 199943-2,500Nigerian ArmyBayelsa State, Odi – Nigerian military attacked the village of Odi, as part of the Conflict in the Niger Delta.
Kaduna riots also known as the first "Sharia clashes".Sharia 1: February 21–25, 2000; March
Sharia 2: May 22–23, 2000
2,000–5,000Christians, MuslimsKaduna State, Kaduna – Religious riots between Christians and Muslims over the introduction of sharia law in Kaduna State, start of the religious riots phase of the Sharia conflict in Nigeria.
2001 Jos riotsSeptember 9–17, 2001500–5000Christians, MuslimsPlateau State, Jos – Religious riots between Christians and Muslims.
Zaki Biam MassacreOctober 20–24, 2001Over 200Nigerian ArmyBenue State – Attack by the Nigerian Army avenging the kidnapping and killing of 19 soldiers by suspected Tiv militia
Miss World riotsNovember 22, 2002200+Islamists, later rioting Christians and MuslimsKaduna State, Kaduna – Inter-religious riots that started on 22 November in Kaduna, along with many houses of worship being burned by religious zealots. Cause: article in Thisday about the 2002 Miss World beauty contest, in which Muslims took offence.
Yelwa massacreFebruary–May, 2004c. 975Christians, MuslimsYelwa, Shendam and Kano – Religiously motivated killings between Christians and Muslims.
Muhammad cartoons crisisFebruary 18, 2006120+Muslims and ChristiansBorno State, Maiduguri and Onitsha, Anambra State – The international crisis reached the Nigerian city of Maiduguri, in which over 50 people were killed and many buildings destroyed or damaged by rioting Muslims, outraged because of cartoons about Muhammad in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten. Christians also later burned Muslim corpses and damaged mosque in Onitsha, causing 5,000 Muslims to flee the city to Asaba.
2008 Ogaminana massacreFebruary 26, 2008over 50PoliceKogi State, Ogaminana – Police descended on Ogaminana at 8.30 pm, killing and brutalizing mostly elderly men, women and children in a reprisal attack that has sent shock and outrage throughout the country.
2008 Jos riotsNovember 28–29, 2008381Christians, MuslimsPlateau State, Jos – Religious riots between Christians and Muslims over the result of a local election.
2009 Boko Haram uprisingJuly, 20091,000+Boko HaramMaiduguri, Bauchi, Potiskum, Wudil – Militants killed over a thousand people between 26 and 29 July; during the violence
2010 Jos riots2010992Christians, MuslimsPlateau State, Jos – Religious rioting.
2011 Abuja United Nations bombingAugust 26, 2011116Islamists Federal Capital Territory, Abuja – 312 injured; Boko Haram attacked a United Nations compound
2011 Damaturu attacksNovember 4, 2011100-150Islamists Yobe State, Damaturu – Islamic militants associated with Boko Haram attacked police stations and banks.
December 2011 Nigeria clashesDecember 201168+Boko HaramMaiduguri and Damaturu – Militants associated with Boko Haram clashed with security forces between 22 and 23 December.
December 2011 Northern Nigeria attacksDecember 25, 201141+Islamists Federal Capital Territory, Madalla – 73 injured;Militants bombed a Catholic church.
January 5–6, 2012 Nigeria attacksJanuary 5–6, 201237+Boko HaramMubi, Yola, Gombi, and Maiduguri – Terrorists attacked communities; Boko Haram claimed responsibility.
January 20, 2012 Nigeria attacksJanuary 1, 2012185Boko HaramKano State, Kano – Terrorists attacked government installations including police stations and barracks, Immigration offices etc.; Boko Haram claimed responsibility.
April 2012 Kaduna bombingsMarch 8, 201238Boko HaramKaduna State, Kaduna – Terrorists bombed a community.
June 2012 Kaduna church bombingsJune 7, 201212-19Boko Haram Kaduna State, Wusasa, and Sabon Gari – 80 injured; Islamic terrorists bombed three churches.
Deeper Life Church shootingAugust 7, 201219Three unidentified gunmenKogi State, Okene – Militants attacked a community.
December 2012 shootings in Northern NigeriaDecember 25, 201227Boko Haram Federal Capital Territory, Abuja – Militants attacked a community.
2013 Baga massacreApril 19–20, 2013228+Nigerian army or Boko HaramBorno State, Baga – Identity of the perpetrators remains unclear; some blame the Nigerian military while others blame the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram.
Mamudo school massacre, also known as Yobe State school shootingJuly 6, 201330Boko HaramYobe State, Mamudo government secondary school – Suspected Boko Haram terrorists killed at least 41 children and one teacher.
Konduga mosque shootingAugust 11, 201344Boko HaramBorno State
At least 44 Muslim worshippers were killed by Boko Haram militants.
Benisheik massacreSeptember 18, 2013159Boko HaramBorno State
Gujba college massacreSeptember 29, 201350Islamists suspectedYobe State, Gujba Yobe school – At 1:00 a.m. suspected gunmen from Boko Haram entered the male dormitory in the College of Agriculture in Gujba, killing at least forty-four students and teachers.
Kawuri massacreJanuary 11, 201485Islamists Borno State, Konduga Local Government – Attack by Boko Haram.
February 2014 Konduga massacreFebruary 2, 201439Boko HaramBorno State, Konduga – About 39 people are believed to have been killed in an attack by Militants on a Nigerian town.
Local residents said the attack on Konduga, Borno, lasted several hours, beginning shortly before sundown with the arrival of gunmen in 4x4 trucks. A mosque and more than 1,000 homes were razed to the ground, residents said.
Izghe attackFebruary 15, 2014106Boko HaramBorno State
Federal Government College Buni Yadi attackFebruary 25, 201459Boko HaramYobe State, Federal Government College Buni Yadi – Islamist gunmen killed 59 students at a boarding school in Yobe State.
April 2014 Nyanya bombingApril 14, 201471Boko HaramFederal Capital Territory, Abuja – Two bombs exploded in a crowded bus station in the outskirts of Abuja, Nigeria.
2014 Gamboru Ngala massacreMay 6, 2014300+Boko HaramBorno State, Gamboru – Militants attacked at night and set houses ablaze. When people tried to escape, they were shot dead.
Gwoza massacreJune 2, 2014200-300Islamists suspectedBorno State, Gwoza – Boko Haram attack on Christian villagers
2014 Kano bombingJune 23, 2014200+Boko HaramKano State, Kano – Dozens of people were killed in a bomb blast at Kano State School of Hygiene. The blast was attributed to militant group Boko Haram by the locals.
Zaria Quds Day massacresJuly 25–26, 201434Nigerian ArmyKaduna State, Zaria
2014 Kano attackNovember 28, 2014100+Boko HaramKano, Kano State – More 100 people were killed in a mosque in Kano.
2015 Baga massacreJanuary 3–7, 2015At least 100, over 2,000 "unaccounted for"Boko HaramBorno State, Baga
2015-2016 Killing of Biafran ProtestersAugust 30, 2015 to February 9, 201680+Nigerian Army, Nigerian security forcesAnambra State, Abia State and Igboland – Over 80 protesters agitating for the secession of the Biafran region from Nigeria have been killed en masse by Nigerian security operatives, while more than 400 others have been arrested, detained or imprisoned
October 2015 Maiduguri bombingOctober 15, 201539Boko HaramMaiduguri, Borno State – Three female suicide bombers detonated a mosque, killing 39 people.
2015 Zaria massacreDecember 12–13, 2015700-1000Nigerian ArmyKaduna State, Zaria – Nigerian army open fire on the Shiite minority when they were conducting a religious procession.
Dikwa suicide bombingsFebruary 9, 201660+Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, 2 female Boko Haram suicide bombersBorno State, Dikwa, refugee camp – Five suicide bombers infiltrated the camp disguised as refugees. Two set off their bombs as internally displaced persons were queuing for rations. More than 60 were killed and 78 others injured.
March 2016 Maiduguri bombingsMarch 16, 201624+Boko HaramBorno State – Two female suicide bombers detonated a mosque in Maiduguri, killing 24 Muslim worshippers and injuring 18 others during dawn prayers.
2017 Mubi bombingNovember 21, 201727–50Boko Haram Adamawa State – Dozens of Muslim worshippers were killed by a suicide attack during morning prayers in Mubi, Adamawa. According to a police spokesman, 50 people were killed while a reporter on the ground claimed that 27 were killed, all of them were men and boys.
2018 Mubi suicide bombingsMay 1, 201886+Boko Haram Adamawa State – At least 86 Muslim worshippers were killed in mosque by a suicide bomber.
2018 Konduga mosque bombingJuly 23, 201811+Suicide bombers from Boko HaramBorno State – Eleven Muslim worshippers were killed in a suicide attack by Boko Haram while eight others were injured in the attack.
2019 Konduga bombingsJune 16, 201930+Suicide bombers Borno State, Konduga Local Government Area – A series of suicide bombings killed at least 30 civilians and injured at least 40.
2020 Gamboru bombingJanuary 6, 202038Suicide bombersBorno State, Gamboru – The attack killed 38 and injured 30.
2020 Lekki shootingOctober 20, 2020More than 12 dead, hundreds severely injured according to Amnesty International, disputed by government. Also, few people were still missing days after the massacre. A development which backed up the claim by eyewitnesses that the army took some corpses after the shooting.Nigerian ArmyLagos State, Lekki Toll Gate – Nigerian army opened fire on peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate while they were peacefully seated, singing the National anthem and proudly waving their flags.
Koshebe massacreNovember 28, 202076Boko HaramBorno State, Jere, Maiduguri – Boko Haram militants massacred 76 farmers. The attacks were carried out in retribution for farmers cooperating with the Nigerian military.
2022 Plateau State massacresApril 10, 2022150+Fulani bandits from Kaduna StatePlateau State, 9 villages in the Kanam and Wase local government areas.
Owo church attack5 June 202240-80 estimatedIslamists / herdsmenMass shooting and bomb attack of Catholic church in Owo, Ondo State.
2023 Plateau State massacresDecember 23–25, 2023~200Fulani militia suspectedPlateau State, 17 rural communities in the regions of Bokkos and Barkin Ladi.
2024 Gadan mosque attackMay 16, 20248Lone wolf attackGadan, Kano State – A 38-year-old resident of the village attacked the mosque confessed that it was “purely in hostility following prolonged family disagreement". Eight worshippers were killed while 16 others, including four children, were injured by the attack.
2024 Konduga massacreAugust 1, 202419Boko HaramBorno State, Konduga Local Government Area – About 19 civilians were killed and dozens injured in a suicide bombing.
2024 Gwoza bombingsJune 29, 202432Suicide bombers Borno State, Gwoza
Tarmuwa massacreSeptember 3, 2024130Boko HaramYobe State
2025 Lake Chad massacreJanuary 14, 202540–100+Islamic State West Africa Province or Boko Haram Borno State, Dumba, Lake Chad region – Jihadists executed farmers from the region of Gwoza and fishermen. Lake Chad is used as a base by Boko Haram and ISWAP.
2025 Plateau State massacresMarch 24 and 27, April 2 and 13, 2025126Muslim FulaniPlateau State, Ruwe, Bokkos, Kimakpa and Zike – Organized attacks killed more than 100 people from Christian villages. Houses were burned and many people injured and raped. 7000 people fled from the violent attacks.
Karim Lamido massacreMay 24, 202542Fulani herdsmenIn Karim Lamido local government area of Taraba State, 42 killed, 60 homes destroyed and 5000+ displaced
Yelwata massacreJune 13–14, 2025100–200+Fulani herdsmenBenue State, Yelewata – Gunmen attacked Christian villagers at the village of Yelewata, killing more than 100 people. A number of houses were set alight and destroyed in the attack.
Darul Jamal, Borno StateSept 5, 202563+Boko HaramJihadist group killed 60+ people including 5 soldiers in an overnight attack in village with a military base near Nigeria-Cameroon border.

Bandit attacks

DateDeathsInvolvedLocation – Circumstances
23~100 banditsZamfara State, Kaura Namoda – 23 people were killed in a retaliatory attack by bandits on Tunga and Kabaje villages in Kaura Namoda LGA, after the death of their suspected ally.
25Large number of bandits, 4 were arrestedSokoto State, Rabah – Kalhu, Tsage and Geeri villages in Rabah LGA were attacked by bandits during the night. The attack went on till morning, killing 25 people.
16Large number of banditsZamfara State, Maru – 16 people celebrating Eid al-Fitr were killed by unidentified bandits in Kanoma community of Maru LGA.
18Bandits, 4 were arrestedSokoto State, Satiru – Satiru village of Sokoto state was attacked by bandits, killing 18 people.
47 confirmed deadBanditsNiger State, Shiroro – Eight farming and herding villages in Shiroro LGA were attacked on 9 June by bandits, who also stole 525 cattle. Niger State Emergency Management Agency confirmed finding 47 corpses. Permanent Secretary of Niger State for cabinet and Security, Aliyu Isah Ekan, claimed only 12 have been killed. Senator David Uamru had claimed 70 were killed.
34BanditsZamfara State, Shinkafi – Police confirmed deaths of 34 people in a bandit attack on Tungar Kafau and Gidan Wawa in Shinkafi LGA.
47BanditsKatsina StateMass murders and robberies in three locations. See also: April 2020 Katsina attacks
4FulaniPlateau State – Messiah College High School was closed due to COVID-19, but the attackers stormed the on-campus home of the school's leader. He was shot in the head, while his wife was shot in the back and his two children were shot in the feet. They survived the wounds.
88Dozens of bandits on motorcyclesKebbi state – Cattle thieves attacked seven villages killing 88 people.
50BanditsOyo state – In Igangan village, a group of bandits invaded and killed 50 people.
200+BanditsZamfara State – Bandits launched a campaign of massacres on civilians, resulting in heavy casualties.
April 10, 2022150+BanditsPlateau State – The 2022 Plateau State massacres are linked to the ongoing Nigerian bandit conflict.
May 6, 202248BanditsZamfara State – Bandits attacked the villages of Damri, Sabon Garin and Kalahe in Zamfara, killing at least 48 people.
September 24, 202215BanditsRuwan Jema, Zamfara State – A gang of armed bandits killed at least 15 people in a mosque during Friday prayers.
July 18, 20259BanditsZamfara State
At least 9 killed, many abducted, including women and children, in ‘bandit’ gang attack in Nigeria northwestern Zamfara State.
August 19, 202550BanditsKatsina State
Gunmen stormed a mosque in the village of Unguwan Mantau, killing 50 Muslim worshippers. The Katsina State police stated that the massacre was a "reprisal attack" after local residents had ambushed and killed a number of "bandits" two days earlier. 60 other people were also abducted by the bandits.
Sept 28, 202515BanditsKwara State
Fifteen "Forest guards" --local vigilantes/hunters-- were killed and villagers abducted in a ‘bandit’ gang attack in Oke-Ode community of Ifelodun Local Government Area in Kwara State, north-central Nigeria.

Herder-farmer conflicts and communal conflicts

See also: Herder–farmer conflicts in Nigeria and Communal conflicts in Nigeria
NameDateDeathsInvolvedLocation – Circumstances
Herder-farmer conflict86Christian farmers and Muslim herdersPlateau State – Riots in Nigeria between Muslim herders and Christian farmers. Total 86 dead.
Communal conflict55Christian Adara and Hausa Muslim youthsKaduna State – A market dispute led to the deaths of two people. In return a communal conflict erupted, Adaras attacked Hausa, killing dozens. The riots left a total of 55 people dead.
Communal conflictUnknownJukun and Tiv attackersBenue State, Guma – Many people were killed amidst a communal conflict between Jukun and Tiv people in Guma LGA of Benue State.
Herder-farmer conflict7 herdersVigilantesZamfara State – Seven herders were burnt by a team of vigilantes alongside their cows.
Herder-farmer conflict26Herders Zamfara State – 7 villages in Zamfara State were attacked and 26 killed in suspected revenge for killing of seven herders a week before.
2019 Kaduna State massacre141 Fulani herdsmen and Adara militiaKaduna State, Kajuru – Part of the communal violence leading up to the 2019 election. The government said 130 Fulani were killed,. 11 Adara were also killed. Miyetti Allah said 66 Fulani were buried and 65 remain missing.
Unnamed17Fulani herdsmenKaduna State, Ebete, Agatu – 17 people were killed in an attack by militants on Ebete in Agatu LGA of Benue State.
Unnamed40 AdaraFulani herdsmenKaduna State, Karamai, Kajuru – At least 29 people were reported to be killed in an attack in Karamai community of Kajuru. The attack was suspected to be from Fulani in retaliation to the earlier violence where Fulani settlements were attacked. The governor confirmed a few days later that the death toll had risen to 40.
Unnamed16 farmersFulani herdsmenBenue State, Gwer West – Herdsmen killed 16 in an attack on Gwer West LGA. The government blamed the attack on allegations of theft of cows by livestock guards made by the military. Residents said the herdsmen brought along many cattle and took over their lands for grazing after killing people.
Unnamed20 Bassa KwomuEgburra Mozum militiaKogi State, Bassa – 20 Bassa Kwomu were killed in an attack by an Egburra Mozum militia in Bassa LGA, Kogi State.
Unnamed16-35Adara MilitantsKaduna State, Aungwan Barde, Kajuru – Police have put the death toll at 16 in attack by suspected militants. However, the Adara Development Association has claimed an upwards of 35 killed.
Unnamed17UnknownKaduna State, Birnin Gwari – 17 vigilantes were ambushed and killed by unidentified gunmen in the mainly Muslim area of Birnin Gwari as they stole cattle.
Unnamed16-52 AdaraFulani herdsmenKaduna State, Maro, Kajuru – The police have put the death toll at 16 in an attack by suspected herdsmen in Kajuru. However, the Adara Development Association has claimed an upwards of 52 killed in Inkirimi and Dogonnoma villages in Maro. Another version of the attack by a source claimed 46 people were killed in Aungwan Gamu. The police have however not confirmed the claims.
Unnamed10 AdaraFulani herdsmenKaduna State, Nandu-Gbok, Sanga LGA – 10 people were confirmed killed in Nandu-Gbok village of Sanga LGA after an attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen. Residents suspect it is in revenge for an earlier attack where they say at least 11 cows and 28 sheep belonging to Fulani were slaughtered in the same area before the election.
Unnamed4Ikwo militiasCross Rivers State, Biase – Four people were killed in an attack on communities of Biase LGA of Cross River State by Ikwo warlords in revenge for burning down of their communities.
UnnamedSeveral Agbaduma peopleMilitia hired by Egba, Abogbe and OlogbaBenue State, Agatu – Several persons were killed during a communal conflict that erupted over ownership of lands. The police has stated that militiamen hired by Egba, Abogbe and Ologba people attacked the Okokolo area inhabited by Agbaduma people.
Unnamed5-10MilitantsBenue State, Guma – The Nigerian police have said five people were recorded as having died in a suspected herdsman attack in Tse Ioreleegeb village, part of Guma LGA of Benue State. The Guma LGA chairman has claimed 10 were killed
Communal conflict5Iceland group Rivers State, Khana – Five people were confirmed to have been killed by suspected Iceland group members in a cult attack on Kono Boue in Khana LGA. The cause is suspected to be retaliation for killing of their member.
Communal conflict5Christian and Muslim youthPlateau State, Jos North – Intercommunal violence occurred between Christian and Muslim youth. According to a resident, after the discovery of two dead boys from Angwan Miango over the past week at the border between it and Rikkos, a Hausa community, the people went on reprisal killings against Muslims. Five people were killed as a result in the ensuing clashes. Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association, however, claimed deaths of 30 Christians. Federal Government of Nigeria has introduce to cub conflicts between the Herdsmen and Farmer in Plateau State.
Communal conflict12MilitantsNiger state, Shiroro County, Tegina Kabata – 12 people killed during the wedding with five people captured including the bride and groom.
Odugbeho massacreJune 7, 202140+Fulani herdsmenBenue State
2021 Mashegu mosque massacreDecember 10, 202116Fulani herdsmenNiger State – Fulani gunmen killed 16 Hausa worshippers and kidnapped several others.
2021 Nasarawa massacre50Fulani herdsmenNasarawa State – At least 50 Tiv civilians were killed in Nasarawa state, due to Fulani herdersmen blaming Tiv farmers for the killings of a kinsman.
Owo church attackMay 5, 202250ISWAP or Fulani herdsmen Ondo State – Over 50 people were killed in a massacre carried out in a Catholic Church on Pentecost Sunday. The Government has blamed ISWAP for the murders, but locals suspect Fulani Herdsmen.
2023 Mangu violenceMay 15–16, 2023130–200+Fulani herdsmenPlateau State
Edo State MassacreMarch 28, 202516MobEdo State - Group of 16 Hausa hunters lynched by mob.
Bassa LGA, PlateauApr  14, 202540–51herdersnight attack by suspected herders in farming villages
of Zike & Kimakpa
Otukpo LGA, Benue StateApr  18, 202511+HerdersSuspected herdsmen attacks on Emichi, Odudaje, Okpamaju, Benue State
Guma, Logo, Ukum, Kwande LGAsMay 10, 202523Fulani herdersBenue State – Eight people were killed in Ukum, nine in nearby Logo, three each in Guma and Kwande.
Benue State – Tyolaha, Tse‑Ubiam, Ahume, AondonaMay  27, 202542 HerdersCoordinated weekend attacks attributed to itinerant herders in Gwer West local government area in Benue state.
Yelwata, BenueJune 14, 202545–200Cattle herdsmenYelwata community in Benue State
Wannune, BenueJune 20, 2025??Cattle herdsmenWannune community, Tarka LGA in Benue State
Mangun District, Plateau StateJune 20, 202514suspected herdersMostly children and the elderly killed and houses burnt in Juwan and Manja communities in Bokkos and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State by suspected herdsmen.
Mangun District, Plateau StateJune 21, 202512 killed, 22 injuredcommunity vigilantes/mobMangun District of Mangu LGA of Plateau State. A group of out-of-town travellers enroute to a wedding were killed when they inadvertently lost their way and found themselves in a tense community that had endured repeated terror attacks, including the prior night.

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