18 killed in Niger farmers-herders clash — Police

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that 18 people were killed in a clash between farmers and herders in communities in Rafi Local Government Area of the state.

The affected communities include Anguwan-Baago, Kuwan-Kasa, Mararraban-Gwadaro and Tashan-Bako.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said in a statement on Thursday that 15 of the victims were burnt alive in their rooms at Anguwan-Baago.

He said the crisis, which began on June 29, escalated on Wednesday, July 1, following a series of reprisal attacks.

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Abiodun said suspected armed men on June 29 shot dead a 25-year-old man, Ibrahim Musa, in Godoro village.

In retaliation, members of a local vigilante group, popularly known as Yansakai, allegedly blocked a road and killed a 28-year-old man, Bashir Mazi.

He said the violence, believed to be linked to a lingering land dispute between two communities, later spread to other villages.

“On July 1 at about 10 pm, a report was received that 15 persons were burnt to death in a two-bedroom apartment at Anguwan-Baago via Godoro village, while one other person was killed at another location, bringing the death toll to 18,” he said.

Abiodun said a reconciliation committee led by officials of the local government council was working with security agencies to resolve the crisis.

He added that joint security personnel comprising the police and the military had been deployed to the affected communities to restore peace.

However, residents disputed the police account, saying the death toll could be much higher as the violence was still ongoing on Thursday.

A community leader told Daily Trust that Tashan-Bako community was razed on Thursday afternoon, with more lives reportedly lost.

“I cannot lie to you. Tashan-Bako was completely burnt today, and more people are still being killed. The affected areas are inaccessible, so nobody can determine the actual number of those killed or injured,” he said.

He alleged that no security personnel had reached the area despite the police claim, adding that many residents, including women and children, had fled to Tegina, Maikujeri, Pandogari, Kagara and other neighbouring communities.

Another resident claimed that more than 30 people were burnt in their homes, while several others sustained injuries.

He accused authorities of failing to act promptly to prevent the escalation.

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