To ask Her Majesty's Government whether representatives from the UK High Commission in Abuja have visited Christian farming communities in northern and central Nigeria attacked by Muslim Fulani herders; and if so, what were their findings.
Answered on
8 May 2019
Officials from the British High Commission in Abuja frequently visit states across Nigeria and engage with communities of all faiths. A High Commission team including officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London recently visited Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Benue and Taraba States to assess the situation on the ground. The findings reinforced our assessment of the complexity of these conflicts, which can be found in disputes over land, farming rights, the impact of climate change, grazing routes and access to water. We continue to urge the Nigerian Government to develop a clear strategy to address the underlying causes, as well as developing options for how the UK could further support dialogue and peacebuilding efforts. The Foreign Secretary met with Nigerian faith leaders, both Muslim and Christian during his recent visit to Nigeria, to discuss how the UK can support their work to promote interfaith relationships and long-term peace.