18 Killed in Niger Communal Clash, 15 Burnt Alive Over Land Dispute
By Victor Idajili
At least 18 people have been killed in a violent communal clash in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State. Fifteen of them were burnt to death after gunmen set a two-bedroom apartment ablaze.
The attack happened late Tuesday night at Angwan-Baago, near Godoro village, the Niger State Police Command confirmed. Victims were trapped inside the house and died in the fire. One other person was killed at a separate location, bringing the total to 18.
Police say the violence is rooted in a long-running land dispute between two communities in the area.
It began on June 29 when suspected gunmen shot dead 25-year-old Ibrahim Musa at Godoro village.
In retaliation, a group of local vigilantes known as Yansakai blocked a road and killed 28-year-old Bashir Mazi, police said.
Giving an update on Thursday, Police Spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said:
“On 1/7/2026 at about 10 pm, we received a report that 15 persons were burnt to death in a two-bedroom flat at Angwan-Baago via Godoro village. One other person was also killed elsewhere. The death toll now stands at 18.”
A community source, who asked not to be named, alleged the clash was between members of the Fulani and Kamuku communities. The source said several houses were razed and that women and children were among those worst hit.
Rafi LGA Chairman, Ayuba Katako, confirmed the crisis but did not give a casualty figure.
“Yes, the crisis happened in my local government area. Security agents have been deployed to halt the situation. No reasonable government will fold its hands and allow its people to be killed,” he said.
Abiodun said a reconciliation committee led by local government officials is working with security agencies to end the conflict. Joint police and military patrols have also been sent to the affected communities to restore calm.
Police added that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible. Normalcy, they said, has now been restored to the area.
