The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that 18 people were killed in a violent clash linked to a longstanding land dispute between farming and herding communities in Rafi Local Government Area, as security agencies intensify efforts to restore peace.
No fewer than 18 people have been confirmed dead following renewed violence in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, where clashes between farming and herding communities escalated into deadly reprisal attacks. The Niger State Police Command said security personnel have since been deployed to the affected communities to prevent further bloodshed.
Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said the violence began after an initial attack linked to a lingering land dispute involving members of the Fulani and Kamuku communities.
According to the police, the crisis escalated through a series of retaliatory attacks, culminating in the deaths of 18 people. Authorities said 15 victims were reportedly burnt to death inside a house, while three others died in separate incidents connected to the conflict. Several houses and properties were also destroyed.
Security agencies said the violence stemmed from a longstanding dispute over land ownership and access to farmlands, a recurring source of tension between farming and pastoral communities in parts of Niger State.
Following the killings, the police, military and other security agencies launched joint patrols across the affected communities, while local authorities initiated peace meetings aimed at preventing further reprisals.
The Niger State Police Command said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible for the attacks.
Police also disclosed that a reconciliation committee involving community leaders and government officials has been activated to restore normalcy, while residents were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information.
The latest violence has renewed concerns over communal conflicts in parts of north-central Nigeria, where disputes over land and grazing routes have repeatedly resulted in deadly confrontations. Authorities say security operations and peace-building efforts will continue until lasting calm is restored in the affected communities.