The Niger State Police Command says at least 18 people have been killed in renewed communal violence linked to a longstanding land dispute in Rafi Local Government Area.  |
| Security personnel respond following deadly communal violence in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State. |
RAFI, NIGER STATE – July 2, 2026
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that at least 18 people were killed following renewed communal violence in Rafi Local Government Area of the state.
According to the police, 15 of the victims were burnt to death after attackers set a two-bedroom residential building ablaze in Angwan-Baago, near Godoro village, during an attack on Tuesday night. Three other people were killed in separate incidents connected to the crisis.
Police said the latest violence is connected to a protracted land dispute between two communities in the area.
According to the Command, the crisis began on June 29 after suspected armed men allegedly shot and killed 25-year-old Ibrahim Musa in Godoro village.
Authorities said the killing triggered a reprisal attack in which members of a local vigilante group, popularly known as Yansakai, allegedly blocked a road and killed 28-year-old Bashir Mazi.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abiodun Wasiu, said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
He added that a reconciliation committee led by local government officials is working alongside security agencies to de-escalate tensions, while joint police and military patrols have been deployed to restore peace in the affected communities.
The Chairman of Rafi Local Government Area, Ayuba Katako, confirmed that the communal violence occurred but declined to provide an official casualty figure.
He said security personnel had been mobilised to restore order and ensure those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, a community source alleged that the conflict involved members of the Fulani and Kamuku communities. Prime Brief Media could not independently verify this claim, and the Niger State Police Command has not officially identified the groups involved.
The latest violence underscores the persistent challenge of communal conflicts in parts of Niger State, where disputes over land and resources have repeatedly resulted in deadly confrontations.
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