Police Confirm 18 Killed In Niger Land Dispute

Police in Niger State have confirmed that 18 people were killed after a land dispute in Rafi Local Government Area escalated into deadly violence.

The police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the crisis began after suspected armed men shot dead 25-year-old Ibrahim Musa in Godoro village, Katako District. He said a suspected reprisal by Yansakai vigilantes later led to the killing of 28-year-old Bashir Mazi.

According to the police account reported by Vanguard, Daily Post, Punch and Premium Times, the violence worsened on July 1 when 15 people were burnt to death inside a two-bedroom house at Angwan-Baago, near Godoro village. Another person was killed at a separate location, bringing the toll to 18.

Daily Post reported that the dispute involved Fulani and Kamuku communities, while Punch quoted a community source as saying houses were razed during the clash.

Abiodun said investigations were ongoing and that a reconciliation committee led by Rafi council officials was working with security agencies and community leaders. Joint police and military patrols have also been deployed to the affected communities.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post, Punch, Premium Times