The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that 18 people were killed following a land dispute in Rafi Local Government Area, with security forces deployed to restore peace as investigations continue.
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the death of 18 people following a violent land dispute in Angwan-Baago Community, Katako District, Rafi Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, saying the crisis began on Monday before escalating into deadly violence on Wednesday.
According to the police, suspected armed men initially attacked Godoro Village on the night of June 29, where they shot and killed Ibrahim Musa, 25.
Abiodun said the killing allegedly triggered a reprisal attack by members of a local vigilante group, popularly known as Yansakai, who blocked a road and killed Bashir Mazi, 28.
The police spokesperson explained that the violence was linked to a long-running land dispute between two communities in the area.
He said the situation worsened on July 1, when 15 people were reportedly burnt to death inside a two-bedroom apartment in Angwan-Baago via Godoro Village.
Another victim was killed at a separate location during the violence, bringing the total number of fatalities to 18.
Abiodun said police received the first report of the incident on June 30 at about 2:00 p.m., detailing the initial killing of Ibrahim Musa and the subsequent reprisal attack.
He added that security agencies have since intensified efforts to prevent further violence in the affected communities.
According to the statement, a reconciliation committee led by officials of the Rafi Local Government Council is working with security agencies and community leaders to resolve the dispute peacefully.
The police also confirmed that a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the military has been deployed to the area to restore law and order while investigations continue.
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