Police confirm 18 killed in Niger land dispute

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The Police Command in Niger has confirmed the killing of 18 people following a land dispute in Angwan-Baago community, Katako District, Rafi Local Government Area of the state.

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The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday.

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He said the crisis, which began on Monday, escalated on Wednesday.

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According to him, suspected armed men, on Monday, shot dead a 25-year-old man, Ibrahim Musa, in Godoro Village.

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He said that some local vigilantes, popularly known as Yansakai, in a suspected reprisal attack, blocked the road and killed a 28-year-old man, Bashir Mazi.

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Abiodun explained that the initial attack, which was linked to a lingering land dispute between two tribes in the area, escalated into further violence, resulting in the deaths of 16 additional people and bringing the total death toll to 18.

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“On 30/6/2026 at about 2 p.m., a report was received from the Katako District area of Rafi LGA indicating that on 29/6/2026 at about 11:30 p.m. at Godoro village, suspected armed men fired gunshots at one Ibrahim Musa, 25, who died on the spot.

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“As a result, a group of Yansakai blocked the road and killed one Bashir Mazi, 28. This attack was allegedly linked to a lingering land crisis between two tribes in the area,” the police spokesperson said.

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He added: “Furthermore, on 1/7/2026 at about 10 p.m., a report was received indicating that 15 persons were burnt to death in a two-bedroom flat at Angwan-Baago via Godoro Village, while one other person was also killed at another location, bringing the death toll to 18.”

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Abiodun said a reconciliation committee led by officials of the local government council was working with security agencies to address the crisis.

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He added that joint security operatives comprising the police and the military had been deployed to the area to restore peace. (NAN)

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