A violent land dispute in Niger State has claimed at least 18 lives, with 15 people burnt alive after suspected attackers set a residential building on fire in Rafi Local Government Area.
The latest attack occurred in Angwan Baago, near Godoro village, where the victims were reportedly trapped inside a two bedroom apartment before it was torched. Another person was also killed in a separate attack, bringing the death toll from the crisis to 18.
The conflict is believed to have started on June 29 when gunmen allegedly shot dead Ibrahim Musa in Godoro village. His killing reportedly sparked retaliatory violence, during which Bashir Mazi was attacked and killed after a road was blocked by angry youths.
Residents said the unrest stems from a prolonged land ownership dispute involving the Fulani and Kamuku communities. Several homes have been destroyed in the violence, while many families have fled the affected areas over fears of further attacks.
Local government authorities confirmed the crisis and said security personnel had been deployed to contain the violence and prevent additional loss of lives.
Chairman of Rafi Local Government Area, Ayuba Katako, assured residents that those responsible would be brought to justice.
He said, “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.”
The Niger State Police Command also confirmed the incident, saying investigators were working to identify those behind the attacks while a peace committee had been set up to resolve the conflict.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said, “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 11.30pm at Godoro village, suspected armed men fired gunshots at one Ibrahim Musa 25 years who died on the spot.
“As a result of this, a group of Yansakai people blocked the road and killed one Bashir Mazi, 28 years. 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 addressing the crisis, but normalcy is restored in the area.”
Giving an update on the casualty figure, Abiodun added, “Furthermore, on 1/7/2026 at 10 pm 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 total number of deaths to figure 18.
“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.”
