As Nigeria’s headline inflation eased to 22.97% in May 2025. Benue State food inflation recorded a notable decline amid attacks and insecurity in the state.
Latest being the killing of around 200 villagers in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, on the night of Friday, June 13, 2025. The military and the police have launched a joint, cross-border manhunt for the gunmen.
However, the Consumer Price Index report released by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics recently, Benue state’s May 2025 food inflation fell to 22 percent year-on-year from 51.8 percent recorded in April, representing a 57.53 percent drop.
Also, the state headline inflation stood at 25.9 percent year-on-year and 3.1 percent month-on-month amid ongoing violence in the state.
However, Borno State recorded the highest inflation rate in the country as its All Items Inflation rate grew to 38.93 percent year-on-year, while the State food inflation rate jumped to 64.36 percent year-on-year. The state inflation surge is likely driven by soaring insecurity affecting agricultural activities in the state.
Other states which recorded the highest inflation rate include Niger State which stood at 34.97 percent, and Plateau at 32.35 percent, while food inflation was highest in Borno at 64.36 percent, Bayelsa at 39.85 percent, and Taraba at 38.58 percent.
While inflation eased in some states, the surge in inflation in states like Borno, Niger State, highlighted the impact of persistent violence and insecurity, which disrupted agricultural activities and displaced populations driving up the costs of essential items.