Land dispute turns deadly in Niger: 18 feared killed, 15 burned alive in midnight attack

No fewer than 18 people have been killed in a renewed wave of communal violence in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, with 15 victims reportedly burnt alive after suspected attackers set a two-bedroom apartment ablaze during a midnight assault.

The gruesome attack, which occurred on Tuesday night at Angwan-Baago near Godoro village, has been linked to a long-running land dispute between two communities, raising fresh concerns over escalating communal clashes in the state.

Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Command said the victims were trapped inside the building after it was set on fire, while another person was killed at a separate location, bringing the total death toll from the crisis to 18.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings.

He disclosed that a reconciliation committee, headed by officials of the Rafi Local Government Council, was working with security agencies to end the violence and prevent further bloodshed.

Providing an update on Thursday, Abiodun said, "On July 1, 2026, at about 10 p.m., a report was received that 15 persons were burnt to death in a two-bedroom flat at Angwan-Baago via Godoro village, while one other person was killed at another location, bringing the number of deaths to 18.

"However, a reconciliation committee headed by local government officials is working with security agencies to address the crisis, while joint police and military patrols have been deployed to the affected communities to restore lasting peace."

A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, alleged that the conflict involved members of the Fulani and Kamuku communities.

According to the source, several houses were razed during the attacks, while women and children were among those most severely affected by the violence.

The Chairman of Rafi Local Government Area, Ayuba Katako, confirmed the outbreak of violence but declined to disclose the casualty figure.

He, however, assured residents that security personnel had been deployed to contain the situation and restore normalcy.

"Yes, the crisis happened in my local government area, but security agents have been drafted to halt the situation. No responsible government will fold its arms and allow its people to be killed without taking decisive steps to end the crisis," Katako said.

Security agencies have since intensified patrols across the affected communities, while authorities continue efforts to broker peace between the warring groups and prevent a recurrence of the violence.