State of the World from NPR

Nigeria's Farmers Face Rising Attacks Amid Land Disputes

Jul 7, 2025
In central Nigeria, violent clashes erupt between farmers and herders over land access, leaving a devastating human toll behind. Personal stories highlight the tragic outcomes, with over 160 lives lost in one village alone. The podcast sheds light on the grief and displacement experienced by farming communities, revealing the intricate web of ethnic tensions and economic struggles that fuel this conflict.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Tragic Attack on Farmer's Family

  • Tehemba Lomba lost eight family members in a violent attack that destroyed his home and crops.
  • Seven family members burned alive, and his brother was found shot dead in the farming village of Yalwata.
ANECDOTE

Brother's Tragic Death in Violence

  • Matthias Zay found his brother Elijah hacked to death after hiding in a church during the violence.
  • He rushed Elijah to the hospital, but his brother died of wounds before arrival.
INSIGHT

Land Conflict Escalates in Nigeria

  • Land disputes between herders and farmers in Nigeria are fueled by climate change and population growth.
  • What was once local has escalated into mass killings, creating deep ethnic and religious tensions.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app