Four killed as Fulani, Gbagyi clash in Niger

Beji town, located in the Bosso local government area, has been a problem-prone location since 2003. Photo: Radio Nigeria archive

Four persons have lost their lives, with nine others sustaining injuries during violent clashes between Fulani and Gbagi communities in Beji, Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State.

Alhaji Umar Ahmed Rebe, the Commissioner for Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, confirmed the incident in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Minna, revealing that the confrontation occurred on Thursday.

Alhaji Umar identified the root cause of the escalating violence as the influx of illegal migrants crossing into Beji from other states.

He said the migrants, seeking refuge, have reportedly been stoking tension and problems in the area, culminating in the violent clashes.

According to Alhaji Umar, a few days before the incident, the Ministry had received reports of illegal migrants entering Borgu Local Government Area from Kebbi State and Officers were dispatched to the area to assess the situation and provide necessary reports for subsequent actions.

The Commissioner attributed the unrest in Beji to “historical” clashes between farmers and herders, dating back to 2003.

He emphasized that the Niger State government, in collaboration with security agencies, was actively working to address the issue by removing illegal migrants and taking other steps to restore peace to the area.

Appealing for calm, Alhaji Umar urged the Fulani communities not to engage in reprisal attacks, and assured the public that the state government was committed to resolving the crisis.

He promised residents that a committee would be established to identify instigators of violence and propose lasting solutions for sustainable peace.

Alhaji Umar also assured the public that the government is working diligently to settle existing cases, having already resolved 66 disputes involving farmers, herders, and vigilantes across the state.

Reporting by Aliyu Lawal; Editing by Abdullahi Lamino, Annabel Nwachukwu and Tony Okerafor

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