18 feared killed in Niger's Rafi LGA land dispute, communal clash
No fewer than 18 people have reportedly lost their lives following a violent communal clash in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, with authorities linking the crisis to a longstanding land dispute between two communities.
The violence reportedly began on June 29, 2026, when suspected armed men shot and killed 25-year-old Ibrahim Musa at Godoro village in the Katako District.
In what was believed to be a retaliatory attack, residents from Yankasai allegedly blocked a road and killed 28-year-old Bashir Mazi.
The incident escalated into a series of reprisals. Eyewitnesses said 15 people were burnt to death after attackers reportedly set a two-bedroom apartment ablaze at Angwan-Baago, near Godoro village. Another victim was also killed at a separate location, bringing the reported death toll to 18.
Confirming the incident on Thursday in Minna, the Niger State Police Command said the violence stemmed from a lingering land dispute between the affected communities.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the command received a report on June 30 indicating that Ibrahim Musa was shot dead by suspected armed men on the night of June 29. He added that the subsequent killing of Bashir Mazi by a group from Yankasai was allegedly connected to the unresolved land conflict.
Abiodun further disclosed that another report received on July 1 indicated that 15 people were burnt to death in a two-bedroom apartment at Angwan-Baago via Godoro village, while one additional person was killed elsewhere, raising the total number of reported fatalities to 18.
He said the chairman of Rafi Local Government Area had inaugurated a reconciliation committee involving council officials and community stakeholders to mediate between the warring groups.
According to the police spokesman, joint police and military patrol teams have also been deployed to the affected communities to restore calm and prevent further violence.
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