15 burnt to death, three killed in Niger communal clash

No fewer than 18 people have been killed in a communal clash linked to a lingering land dispute in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, with 15 of the victims reportedly burnt to death after assailants set a two-bedroom apartment ablaze.

The latest attack occurred on Tuesday night at Angwan-Baago near Godoro village, where the victims were trapped inside the building and burnt to death, according to the Niger State Police Command.

The police said one other person was also killed at a separate location, bringing the total number of deaths recorded in the crisis to 18.

The violence is believed to have stemmed from a protracted land dispute between two communities in the area.

Earlier, police said the crisis began on June 29 when suspected armed men shot dead a 25-year-old man, Ibrahim Musa, at Godoro village.

According to the command, the killing triggered a reprisal attack in which a group of vigilantes, popularly known as Yansakai, allegedly blocked a road and killed 28-year-old Bashir Mazi.

Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said the attacks were linked to the lingering land dispute.

“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 address ing the crisis, but normalcy is restored in the area,” he said.

Providing an update on Thursday, the police spokesman 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 spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, alleged that the clash involved members of the Fulani and Kamuku communities.

The source said several houses had been razed, while women and children were among those worst affected by the violence.

The Chairman of Rafi Local Government Area, Ayuba Katako, confirmed the crisis but declined to state 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.

Abiodun said a reconciliation committee led by local government officials was working with security agencies to resolve the conflict, while joint police and military patrols had been deployed to the affected communities.