The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the death of 18 people following a violent clash between farmers and herders in several communities in Rafi Local Government Area of the state.
The affected communities include Anguwan-Baago, Kuwan-Kasa, Mararraban-Gwadaro and Tashan-Bako, where the violence reportedly escalated after a series of reprisal attacks.
While confirming the incident in a statement on Thursday, the Police spokesman, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said 15 of the victims were burnt alive inside a two-bedroom apartment in Anguwan-Baago.
According to him, the crisis began on June 29 when suspected armed men attacked Godoro village and shot dead a 25-year-old resident, Ibrahim Musa.
He said the killing sparked a reprisal by members of a local vigilante group, popularly known as Yansakai, who allegedly blocked a road and killed a 28-year-old man, Bashir Mazi.
Abiodun explained that the violence was believed to be connected to a longstanding land dispute between two neighbouring communities and subsequently spread to other villages.
“On July 1, at about 10:00 p.m., 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 total number of deaths to 18,” he said.
The police image maker said security agencies had intensified efforts to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
He disclosed that a reconciliation committee led by officials of the Rafi Local Government Council was engaging stakeholders to resolve the conflict and prevent further violence.
Mr Abiodun added that a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the military had been deployed to the affected communities to maintain law and order and forestall further attacks.
