By Emem Nsini-Godwin
The Niger State Government has imposed an indefinite 12-hour curfew in parts of Rafi Local Government Area following violent communal clashes between the Kamuku and Fulani communities that have claimed about 80 lives and destroyed property.
The curfew, which took effect on July 5 and 6, 2026, covers Kagara, Anguwan Gizo, Anguwan Karaya and other affected communities.
Governor Umaru Bago, represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, announced the measure during a visit to Tashar Bako and other communities affected by the violence. He directed security agencies to deploy all available resources to restore peace and prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the violence was triggered by a dispute over farmland.
Following an assessment of the affected communities and identified flashpoints, Governor Bago said preliminary investigations indicated that the crisis originated from a disagreement over farming activities.
He ordered security agencies to activate all available security architecture across the affected areas, employing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to contain the violence and prevent its spread.
As part of efforts to achieve lasting peace, the governor directed the Emir of Kagara, Alhaji Ahmad Garba-Gunna, to establish a Peace and Reconciliation Committee to foster dialogue, rebuild trust and promote peaceful coexistence between the affected communities.
Bago also appealed to social media users and influencers to refrain from sharing inflammatory or unverified information capable of escalating tensions.
“Both communities have lived together harmoniously for generations and should not allow the actions of a few individuals to undermine their long-standing relationship,” the governor said, urging residents to embrace peace and unity.
Responding, the Emir of Kagara commended the Niger State Government and security agencies for their swift intervention in containing the crisis. He called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel working to restore normalcy.
Garba-Gunna also cautioned politicians against politicising the incident, stressing that the conflict should not be viewed as an ethnic confrontation between the Kamuku and Fulani communities.
He expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones and property, while urging security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the violence.
During the visit, Deputy Governor Garba met with displaced residents from both communities, including Kamuku victims taking refuge at Tegina Primary School and Fulani victims sheltered at Gimi Primary School, where he assured them of the government’s commitment to restoring peace and supporting affected families.
