At least 18 people have lost their lives in a fresh outbreak of communal violence linked to a long-standing land dispute in the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
Among the victims were 15 people who were reportedly burnt to death after suspected attackers set a two-bedroom house ablaze in Angwan-Baago, a settlement near Godoro village, on Tuesday night.
The incident was confirmed by the Niger State Police Command, which said another person was killed in a separate attack, raising the total number of fatalities recorded in the crisis to 18.
Police said the violence is rooted in a protracted land dispute between two neighbouring communities.
According to the command, the unrest began on June 29 when suspected gunmen allegedly shot and killed a 25-year-old resident, Ibrahim Musa, in Godoro village.
His death reportedly triggered a retaliatory attack by members of a local vigilante group, known as Yansakai, who allegedly mounted a roadblock and killed 28-year-old Bashir Mazi.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said investigations had commenced to identify those behind the attacks.
“On 30/6/2026 at about 2 pm, report received from Katako District area of Rafi LGA indicated that on 29/6/2026 at about 11.30 pm at Godoro village, suspected armed men fired gunshots at one Ibrahim Musa 25yrs who died on the spot.
“As a result of this, a group of Yansakai blocked the road and killed one Bashir Mazi 28yrs. This attack was allegedly linked to a lingering land crisis between two tribes in the area.
“However, 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, but normalcy is restored in the area,” he said.
Providing an update on Thursday, Abiodun said, “Furthermore, on 1/7/2026 at 10 pm, a report received indicated that fifteen persons were reportedly burnt to death in a two-bedroom flat at Angwan-Baago via Godoro village, while one other person was also killed at another location, bringing the number of deaths to eighteen.
“However, a reconciliation committee headed by the local government council officials are working with the security agencies towards addressing the crisis, as joint Police and military patrols have been deployed to the area to restore peace.”
A community source, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, alleged that the clash involved members of the Fulani and Kamuku communities.
The source claimed that several houses were razed during the violence, while women and children were among those worst affected.
The Chairman of Rafi Local Government Area, Ayuba Katako, confirmed the crisis but declined to disclose the casualty figure.
He said security operatives had been deployed to restore peace, while efforts were ongoing to identify those responsible.
“Yes, the crisis happened in my local government area, but security agents have been drafted to halt the situation. No reasonable government will fold its hands and allow its people to be killed without stamping its authority to end the crisis,” he said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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