By Zainab Bakare
At least 18 people have been killed in a deadly communal clash in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, following a long-running land dispute between two communities.
The violence reached a tragic peak on Tuesday night when suspected attackers set a two-bedroom house ablaze in Angwan-Baago near Godoro village, trapping and burning 15 people to death. Another victim was killed at a separate location, bringing the death toll to 18.
The Niger State Police Command said the crisis escalated after suspected gunmen killed 25-year-old Ibrahim Musa in Godoro village on June 29.
The killing reportedly sparked a reprisal attack in which a member of the Yansakai vigilante group allegedly killed 28-year-old Bashir Mazi.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said investigations were ongoing, while security agencies had intensified efforts to restore peace and prevent further violence.
A local source alleged the conflict involved members of the Fulani and Kamuku communities, with several houses destroyed and women and children among those worst affected.
Rafi Local Government Chairman Ayuba Katako confirmed the incident, saying security personnel had been deployed to the area.
He added that a reconciliation committee, working alongside security agencies, had been established to ease tensions, while joint police and military patrols continue across the affected communities.
