Niger State Government imposes curfew after communal violence

The Niger State Government has put a curfew in place for some communities in Rafi Local Government Area. This follows recent clashes that led to deaths and damage to property.

Governor Umaru Bago announced the curfew while visiting the areas affected by the conflict between the Kamuku and Fulani ethnic groups in Tashar Bako.

He ordered security agencies to send all available personnel to the communities. This is part of the effort to restore peace and prevent further violence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this violence started from a land dispute and has resulted in about 80 deaths so far.

Mr Bago, who was represented by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, instructed security agencies to activate all security measures in the affected areas.

He also told them to use both forceful and peaceful methods to manage the crisis and stop it from getting worse.

While inspecting the affected communities, the governor noted that the conflict began over a farmland dispute.

He asked the Emir of Kagara, Ahmad Garba-Gunna, to set up a committee for peace and reconciliation. This committee will help facilitate talks, build trust, and promote lasting peace among the communities involved.

Mr Bago also asked social media users and influencers to stop spreading false or inflammatory information that could make the security situation worse.

He assured residents that the state government would take steps to prevent such violence from happening again. He called on the communities to embrace peace.

According to him, both communities have coexisted peacefully for many years and should not let the actions of a few people ruin their relationship.

Mr Garba-Gunna praised the state government and security agencies for their quick response to the crisis.

He urged residents to stay calm and work with security forces to restore peace. He also warned politicians not to politicize the incident.

He emphasized that this conflict should not be seen as an ethnic issue between the Kamuku and Fulani communities.

The emir expressed sympathy for the victims and urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the violence are identified, arrested, and prosecuted.

During the visit, the deputy governor met with displaced Kamuku victims at Tegina Primary School and with Fulani victims at Gimi Primary School.