Several Feared Dead, Others Burnt Alive as Fresh Violence Engulfs Niger Communities
A renewed outbreak of violence between farmers and herders has thrown several communities in Niger State into mourning after deadly reprisal attacks left many people dead and homes reduced to ashes.
The latest bloodshed occurred in communities within Rafi Local Government Area, including Anguwan-Baago, Kuwan-Kasa, Mararraban-Gwadaro and Tashan-Bako.
The violence is believed to have stemmed from a long-running land dispute that spiralled into retaliatory attacks over several days.
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Command said 18 people lost their lives. Police spokesman SP Wasiu Abiodun disclosed that 15 of the victims were burnt alive after being trapped inside a two-bedroom apartment in Anguwan-Baago.
He explained that the crisis began on June 29 when suspected armed men allegedly killed Ibrahim Musa in Godoro village.
A retaliatory attack allegedly followed, during which members of a local vigilante group, known as Yansakai, reportedly killed another resident, Bashir Mazi.
According to the police, the cycle of revenge continued until July 1, when the deadliest attack occurred.
Abiodun said security agencies and local government officials have since launched peace efforts, while combined police and military personnel have been deployed to prevent further bloodshed.
Residents, however, maintained that the official casualty figure does not reflect the scale of the tragedy.
Some claimed Tashan-Bako was razed during fresh attacks, forcing frightened families to abandon their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring communities, including Tegina, Maikujeri, Pandogari and Kagara.
A resident also alleged that dozens of people may have been burnt in their homes, while many others sustained injuries.
The police have not confirmed those claims, but security operations and reconciliation efforts are continuing as authorities work to restore normalcy in the affected communities.
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