Bago, Niger gov, orders swift security action after communal clash in Rafi

Mohammed Umaru Bago, Niger State Governor has visited communities affected by recent communal violence in Rafi Local Government Area, directing security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to restore peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Governor Bago, who was represented by Yakubu Garba, the Deputy Governor, gave the directive during an assessment tour of communities affected by clashes involving members of the Kamuku and Fulani communities in Tashar Bako.

He ordered the immediate deployment of all available security personnel and resources to the affected areas, urging security agencies to adopt proactive measures to contain the crisis and prevent its escalation.

He stressed the need for a combination of firm security action and dialogue to bring the conflict to a lasting end.

During the visit, the governor disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated that the violence originated from a dispute over farmland that began about two months ago.

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To facilitate reconciliation, he directed the Emir of Kagara to constitute a Peace and Reconciliation Committee that would promote dialogue, mutual understanding, and lasting peace among the affected communities.

The State Government approved the imposition of a curfew in the affected communities, assuring residents that the Government would take all necessary measures to prevent a recurrence of the violence, while urging all parties to embrace peaceful coexistence.

He noted that the Kamuku and Fulani communities had lived together peacefully for generations.

Speaking during the visit, Ahmed Garba Gunna, the Emir of Kagara, commended the swift intervention of the Niger State Government and security agencies.

He appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate fully with security personnel as efforts continue to restore peace and security in the area.

The Emir also cautioned politicians against exploiting the crisis for political advantage, emphasizing that the incident should not be misconstrued as an ethnic conflict between the Kamuku and Fulani communities.

He expressed sympathy with those affected by the violence and called on security agencies to ensure that all those responsible are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

As part of the assessment tour, Governor Bago visited displaced Kamuku victims taking refuge at Tegina Primary School and Fulani victims sheltered at Gimi Primary School, where he conveyed the government’s condolences and reassured them of its commitment to their safety, welfare, and safe return to their communities.

He also visited Tashar Bako, the epicentre of the violence, to assess the extent of the destruction, including damage to government property.