A fresh attack on communities in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State has left at least four people dead and two others seriously injured. The Niger State Police Command reported that suspected armed men invaded Godoro and Angwan-Bisala communities under Katako District at about 1:30am on September 23, 2026. Police operatives visited the scene, evacuated the injured victims to hospital, and commenced investigation into the incident.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, four people lost their lives in the attack while two others sustained serious injuries. The police are currently investigating the incident to determine the circumstances and identify the perpetrators. The attack occurred amid renewed tension and reprisal violence between Fulani and Kamuku communities in parts of Rafi.
However, the Village Head of Tashan-Rimi, Alhaji Garba Mohammed Bissalla, reported a higher casualty figure, stating that six people were killed in the latest attack. Bissalla claimed that the victims were attacked around 1am on Tuesday at Tashan-Rimi, near Godoro, in an incident linked to the lingering conflict between the two communities.
Bissalla expressed concern that previous measures by the Niger State Government, local authorities, and the emirate council had failed to prevent further bloodshed. He alleged that Kamuku residents had continued to obey Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s directives on peaceful coexistence, while accusing Fulani attackers of continuing to threaten residents, kill people, and steal livestock.
The traditional ruler further alleged that the conflict had claimed more than 165 lives and affected over 100 families, with one extended family losing 45 members during the previous violence. He also accused the federal, state, and local governments of neglecting the affected communities, alleging that residents had gone for about 20 years without basic social amenities.
Bissalla called for concrete measures to stop further attacks and prevent the conflict from escalating. The allegations could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate response from the Fulani community. The police said investigation into the latest attack is ongoing.
The Niger State Police Command is working to restore peace and order in the affected communities. The incident highlights the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure the safety of residents.
Key points
- At least four people killed and two injured in attack on communities in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State
- Village Head reports six fatalities in the attack, linking it to the lingering conflict between Fulani and Kamuku communities
- Conflict has claimed over 165 lives, affected over 100 families, and exposed neglect of affected communities
