At least 18 people have been killed in a violent communal clash between Fulani and Kamuku communities in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, following the escalation of a longstanding land dispute.

The violence, which spread across several communities over three days, reached its deadliest point when 15 people were reportedly trapped inside a house and burnt to death during an arson attack in Angwan-Baago village.

The crisis began late on Monday, June 29, when suspected armed men invaded Godoro village in Katako District and shot dead a 25-year-old resident, Ibrahim Musa.

The killing reportedly sparked reprisals by local vigilante groups, popularly known as Yansakai, who mounted roadblocks in the area. During the retaliation, a 28-year-old man identified as Bashir Mazi was intercepted and killed.

As tensions escalated, the violence spread to neighbouring communities, including Mararraban Gwadaro, Tashan Bako and Angwan-Baago.

According to the Niger State Police Command, the attackers surrounded a two-bedroom house in Angwan-Baago, locked the occupants inside and set the building ablaze, killing 15 people.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said police received a distress call on Wednesday night and immediately deployed operatives to the affected communities.

He said preliminary investigations indicate that the attacks were linked to a protracted land dispute between the two communities.

“Preliminary investigations show that these attacks are directly connected to a longstanding land dispute between the communities in the area. Joint police and military patrols have been aggressively deployed to the affected communities to stabilise the region, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible,” Abiodun said.

The police spokesperson added that an additional victim was killed at another location as the violence spread, bringing the total number of confirmed fatalities to 18.

Security agencies have since intensified patrols across the affected communities to prevent further attacks and restore normalcy.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Rafi Local Government Area, Ayuba Katako, said the council is working closely with security agencies and community leaders to de-escalate tensions and prevent further bloodshed.

He disclosed that plans are underway to establish a peace and reconciliation committee to address the longstanding land dispute while security agencies continue investigations into the killings.

The latest violence has displaced residents in some of the affected communities, with many families fleeing their homes amid fears of renewed attacks.