Curfew imposed in Niger communities following deadly communal unrest
The Niger State Government has imposed a curfew in parts of Rafi Local Government Area following renewed communal violence that resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property and the displacement of residents.
Governor Umaru Bago announced the measure during an assessment visit to the affected communities after clashes between members of the Kamuku and Fulani communities in Tashar Bako.
Represented by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, the governor directed security agencies to deploy additional personnel and operational assets to the troubled areas to restore calm and prevent further violence. He also instructed security operatives to combine both military and dialogue-based strategies in addressing the crisis.
According to the governor, preliminary findings indicate that the conflict was triggered by a dispute over farmland, rather than ethnic differences. To prevent further escalation, he tasked the Emir of Kagara, Alhaji Ahmad Garba-Gunna, with setting up a Peace and Reconciliation Committee to promote dialogue and rebuild trust among the affected communities.
Bago also appealed to residents, especially social media users, to avoid spreading unverified or inflammatory information capable of worsening the security situation. He assured those affected that the state government would work with security agencies and community leaders to prevent a recurrence of the violence.
The governor stressed that both communities had coexisted peacefully for many years and urged them not to allow the actions of a few individuals to destroy their long-standing relationship.
The Emir of Kagara commended the government's swift intervention and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies while warning against attempts to politicise the crisis. He also called for the identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence.
As part of the visit, the deputy governor met with displaced victims from both communities, including Kamuku residents taking shelter at Tegina Primary School and Fulani families housed at Gimi Primary School, assuring them of the government's continued support as efforts to restore lasting peace continue.(NAN)
