Four persons died and nine others sustained various degrees of 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, who confirmed the incident, attributed the clashes between farmers and herders in Beji to the influx of illegal migrants crossing into Beji from other states since 2003.
“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 migrants, seeking refuge, have reportedly been stoking tension and problems in the area, culminating in the violent clashes,” Umar said.
He explained that the Niger State government, in collaboration with security agencies, was actively working tirelessly to address the issue by removing illegal migrants and taking other steps to restore peace to the area.
The Commissioner revealed that a committee would be set up to identify instigators of violence and propose lasting solutions for sustainable peace.
Umar, while appealing for calm, 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 stated that the government had already resolved 66 disputes involving farmers, herders, and vigilantes across the state and assured the public that the government is working diligently to settle existing cases.
