Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has attributed the recent communal clash between Fulani and Kamuku communities in Rafi Local Government Area to alleged land grabbing and political instigation, warning that those responsible will face the full weight of the law.
The governor made the remarks during a visit to the Emir of Kagara, Ahmad Attahiru II, where he commiserated with victims of the violence, which claimed several lives and destroyed houses in both communities.
Describing the incident as unfortunate and avoidable, Bago directed all individuals identified as playing a role in the crisis to report to the Police Headquarters in Minna or risk arrest.
He also accused some title holders in the Kagara Emirate of engaging in unlawful land transactions and blamed members of local vigilante groups for contributing to the violence.
The governor warned politicians against sponsoring or encouraging violence through their supporters, urging them to prioritise the peace and stability of the emirate over personal and political interests.
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As part of measures to prevent a recurrence, Bago ordered an immediate halt to all land transactions across the Kagara Emirate unless approved by the state government through the Emirate Council.
He expressed confidence that the directive would help address disputes over land ownership and strengthen peaceful coexistence among residents.
The governor also urged members of the affected communities to shun self-help and channel grievances through lawful authorities rather than resorting to violence.
To cushion the impact of the crisis, Bago announced a donation of ₦1 million each to the families of those killed, injured victims receiving treatment, and owners of houses destroyed during the clash.
He further directed the Emir of Kagara to promote greater inclusiveness by appointing district and ward heads from all ethnic groups residing within the emirate.
In his response, the Emir of Kagara thanked the governor for the visit, describing the conflict as both unfortunate and preventable. He pledged that the Emirate Council would continue working with the Rafi Local Government Council and other stakeholders to strengthen peacebuilding efforts and prevent future violence.
Speaking on behalf of the Kamuku community, the Maina of Kagara, Yusuf Sule, commended the governor’s intervention and expressed optimism that the measures announced would restore lasting peace.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Rafi Local Government Area, Shehu Uba, who represented the Fulani community, reaffirmed his community’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and pledged support for ongoing reconciliation efforts.
The violence, which erupted about two weeks ago, left several people dead, many others injured and property worth millions of naira destroyed. The crisis had earlier prompted an intervention by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, who led the state’s initial peace mission to the affected communities.
Governor Bago’s visit marks the latest effort by the state government to restore calm and reinforce ongoing reconciliation initiatives in the area.
The post Bago Links Rafi Communal Clash To Land Grabbing, Political Instigation appeared first on Channels Television.
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