Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A brutal communal clash in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State has left at least 18 people dead, with 15 of the victims burnt to death after assailants set a two-bedroom apartment ablaze in Angwan-Baago, near Godoro village. The violence, which erupted on the night of Wednesday, July 1, 2026, is the latest and deadliest escalation of a long-standing land dispute between two communities in the area, according to the Niger State Police Command.
The police confirmed the tragedy in a statement on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said 15 persons were burnt to death in a two-bedroom flat at Angwan-Baago, while one other person was killed at another location, bringing the total number of deaths in the crisis to 18. According to the police, the violence began on Monday, June 29, 2026, when suspected armed men shot and killed a 25-year-old resident, Ibrahim Musa, in Godoro village. That killing triggered a reprisal attack by members of a local vigilante group, known as Yansakai, who allegedly blocked a road and killed 28-year-old Bashir Mazi.
The violence escalated further on Wednesday night when the 15 victims were trapped and burnt to death in the apartment. A community source alleged that the clash involved members of the Fulani and Kamuku communities, with several houses razed and women and children among the worst affected. The Chairman of Rafi Local Government Area, Ayuba Katako, confirmed the crisis but declined to disclose the casualty figure, stating that security operatives had been deployed to restore peace.
"We cannot fold our hands and allow our people to be killed without stamping our authority to end the crisis," Katako said. The police said a reconciliation committee led by local government officials was working with security agencies to resolve the conflict, while joint police and military patrols have been deployed to the affected communities to prevent further violence and restore normalcy. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
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