Curfew Set as Violence Spikes in Niger Local Government Area

Fighting between Kamuku farmers and Fulani herders has worsened in Kagara, the main town in Rafi Local Government Area, Niger State.

Sources say local authorities have placed a curfew on the town after a mob tried to storm the Kagara General Hospital to attack herders who were receiving treatment there.

Residents told PREMIUM TIMES that a local information officer named Akula drove around the town at about 7 p.m. to announce the curfew.

The fighting was only stopped by quick action from military personnel in the town. They set up an armoured personnel carrier at the hospital entrance to block the attackers.

"As I speak with you now, nobody is outside. We have been told to remain indoors until further notice," Musa Tanko, a Kagara resident, said to PREMIUM TIMES late Saturday.

The deadly clash between the farmers and herders started on Wednesday morning in the nearby Tegina district.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the violence began when herders armed with machetes invaded a Kamuku community, killing many residents, mostly women, children, and the elderly.

Since the first attack, tensions have stayed high, with reports of sporadic clashes around Tegina's outskirts.

Earlier, Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesman for the Niger police command, said the death toll from the fighting was 18. But residents claim the total number of deaths has risen to about 50, with many others injured.

The residents shared graphic images of the aftermath with our reporter. These showed victims who were hacked to death or burnt alive.

Besides the shocking loss of life, the violence has led to massive property damage. Homes and food storage silos have been destroyed.

Mr Abiodun explained that the violence is linked to a land dispute. He announced that joint police and military patrols have been sent throughout Rafi Local Government Area to restore order.

Additionally, a government-backed reconciliation committee has been set up, according to residents.

This committee will work with community leaders from both sides to address the disputes that lead to this violence.

Residents are worried that, despite these efforts, tensions in the area are still high, with many people fleeing their homes for safety.