Several Burnt Alive as Fresh Farmers-Herders Violence Leaves Many Dead in Niger
A fresh wave of violence linked to the lingering conflict between farmers and herders has left several people dead in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, with many of the victims reportedly burnt alive after attackers set homes on fire.
The attacks affected Anguwan-Baago, Kuwan-Kasa, Mararraban-Gwadaro and Tashan-Bako communities.
According to the Niger State Police Command, the crisis began on June 29 before escalating into a series of reprisal attacks that spread across the affected villages.
Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the violence claimed 18 lives, including 15 people who were trapped and burnt to death inside a two-bedroom apartment in Anguwan-Baago.
He said the unrest started after suspected armed men allegedly killed a 25-year-old man, Ibrahim Musa, in Godoro village.
In retaliation, members of a local vigilante group, popularly known as Yansakai, were accused of blocking a road and killing another resident, Bashir Mazi, 28.
Abiodun said preliminary investigations indicate the attacks were fuelled by a long-standing land dispute between neighbouring communities.
He added that a reconciliation committee involving local government officials and security agencies had begun efforts to restore peace, while joint teams of police and military personnel had been deployed to prevent further violence.
Residents, however, disputed the official account, insisting the death toll could be much higher because some affected communities remained inaccessible.
A community leader alleged that Tashan-Bako was completely razed during fresh attacks on Thursday, forcing many women, children and other residents to flee to Tegina, Maikujeri, Pandogari, Kagara and neighbouring communities.
Another resident claimed that more than 30 people were burnt inside their homes and accused authorities of responding too slowly to contain the violence.
Security agencies have yet to verify those claims, as efforts continue to restore calm across the troubled communities.
