The Niger State Government has imposed a curfew on several communities in Rafi Local Government Area following renewed communal clashes that resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property. Governor Umaru Bago announced the measure during a visit to the affected areas, specifically Tashar Bako, where the conflict between the Kamuku and Fulani ethnic groups erupted.
Governor orders security deployment and peace committee
Governor Bago, represented by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, directed security agencies to deploy all available security assets to the communities to restore peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order. He also instructed the activation of both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to contain the crisis and prevent escalation. The governor, after inspecting the affected communities and identifying flashpoints, said preliminary findings indicate the conflict originated from a dispute over farmland.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the communal violence, which stemmed from a land dispute, has claimed about 80 lives so far. Governor Bago directed the Emir of Kagara, Ahmad Garba-Gunna, to constitute a peace and reconciliation committee to facilitate dialogue, build trust, and promote lasting peace among the affected communities.
Appeal for calm and responsible reporting
Mr. Bago appealed to social media users and influencers to refrain from circulating inflammatory or unverified information that could worsen the security situation. He assured residents that the state government would implement measures to prevent a recurrence of the crisis and urged the feuding communities to embrace peace. According to him, both communities have lived together harmoniously for generations and should not allow the actions of a few individuals to undermine their long-standing relationship.
The Emir of Kagara, Ahmad Garba-Gunna, commended the state government and security agencies for their swift response to the crisis. He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel to restore peace, while cautioning politicians against politicising the incident. He stressed that the conflict should not be interpreted as an ethnic dispute between the Kamuku and Fulani communities. The emir sympathised with the victims and urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the violence were identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
Displaced victims visited
During the visit, the deputy governor met with displaced Kamuku victims taking refuge at Tegina Primary School and with Fulani victims sheltered at Gimi Primary School. The government continues to monitor the situation closely.
