RAFI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGERIA – Families in many rural areas of Niger State have buried their loved ones after deadly fights between farmers of Kamuku and Fulani herders, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people in the Rafi Local Government Area.
This is because there have been numerous disputes over access to land and the right to use the same pastureland over the years. The videos recorded in the village depict significant destruction, where houses have been burnt, burned personal belongings are strewn around ashes, and people are praying near fresh graves.
Who is responsible for the bloodshed remains a contentious issue. Umaru Dodongwari, the leader of the Fulani community, blamed local vigilantes for attacking and killing their leader, saying that authorities did nothing despite their complaints. “They killed our people daily… but nothing was done to punish the local vigilantes,” he said, adding that herdsmen would still want peace if such attacks stop.
In contrast, Kamuku vigilante Sani Ya’u blamed the Fulani herders for initiating joint attacks against the villages around them, citing how people could not come out of their houses as they were burned while alive. “Our neighbours were barbarically killed in a terrible way by the Fulani herdsmen,” Ya’u maintained.
There have been 18 deaths recorded by the police, although there is a concern about higher numbers. The government officials have enforced a curfew in the area of Kagara since a mob tried to attack Kagara General Hospital, where the herders were being treated for injuries.
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