By Emem Nsini-Godwin
At least 18 people have been killed in a renewed communal clash linked to a long-running land dispute in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, with 15 of the victims reportedly burnt to death after attackers set a house ablaze.
The latest attack occurred at about 10 p.m. on Tuesday at Angwan-Baago, near Godoro village, where the victims were trapped inside a two-bedroom apartment that was set on fire. They died before help could reach them.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying another person was killed at a separate location, bringing the total number of fatalities from the latest violence to 18.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, attributed the crisis to a prolonged land dispute between two communities in the area.
According to Abiodun, the violence began on June 29 when suspected armed men attacked Godoro village at about 11:30 p.m. and shot dead a 25-year-old resident, Ibrahim Musa.
He said the killing triggered a reprisal attack during which members of the local vigilante group, popularly known as Yansakai, allegedly blocked a road and killed 28-year-old Bashir Mazi.
Abiodun said police commenced investigations immediately after the initial attacks were reported and took steps to prevent the violence from escalating.
“Investigation is ongoing to identify the perpetrators of this act, while a reconciliation committee headed by the local government council officials are working with the security agencies towards addressing the crisis,” he said.
Despite the intervention, the violence escalated on Tuesday night when attackers allegedly set a house on fire at Angwan-Baago, killing 15 occupants. Another person was also reportedly killed in a separate attack.
The police spokesperson said joint police and military patrols had been deployed to the affected communities to restore calm and prevent further attacks.
A community source, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, alleged that the conflict involved members of the Fulani and Kamuku communities. The source added that several houses were razed during the attacks and that women and children were among the worst affected.
The Chairman of Rafi Local Government Area, Ayuba Katako, confirmed the outbreak of violence but did not disclose the number of casualties.
He said security personnel had been deployed to the area to restore law and order, while efforts were underway to identify those responsible for the attacks.
“No reasonable government will fold its hands and allow its people to be killed without stamping its authority to end the crisis,” Katako said.
Authorities said the reconciliation committee is continuing to work with security agencies to resolve the underlying land dispute, while investigations into the killings remain ongoing.
