Niger State On Fire As Farmers Killed, Corpses Set Ablaze Over Land Dispute

Not less than two farmers have been killed in Poto Village, Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, following a violent escalation linked to a long-running land dispute with neighbouring Ketso Village, residents and local leaders said. The victims were identified as Mohammed Kudu, 42, and Manko Ibrahim, 41, both indigenes of Poto and engaged in farming. According to PRNigeria, residents said the violence began around 2pm on Thursday when Usman Mohammed Manko was allegedly attacked at a pedestrian bridge along Gudzan–Poto Village while returning from Enagi, headquarters of Edati Local Government Area. “Usman was confronted by about four youths from Ketso Village,” witnesses said. During the confrontation, the attackers reportedly issued threats, saying their long-standing promise to invade Poto Village and “kill anything that breathes” would be carried out the same day. Barely an hour later, at about 3pm, residents said Ketso villagers mobilised in large numbers and stormed farmlands around Poto Village, destroying crops and irrigation facilities, including solar water pumps and panels. Mohammed Kudu, who had reportedly fallen asleep on his farm after a day’s work, was allegedly killed and set ablaze, with his body taken away by the attackers. From the farms, the assailants reportedly advanced toward Poto Village. Some farmers managed to flee. Manko Ibrahim, described by residents as a youth leader, went forward to plead for calm and succeeded in restraining younger villagers from retaliation. However, the group that had earlier attacked Usman Mohammed Manko arrived at the scene moments later. Manko Ibrahim was allegedly struck on the head with a spear and attacked with locally made weapons, leading to his death. “Ketso has been coming to our village for over a decade with the same violence,” said Malam Muhammadu Shaba Poto, a resident. “They always come in numbers, including the Chief Imam, the Ladan (village head), the Hakimi (district head) and other leaders.” Shaba described the sequence of events: “After some youths from Ketso beat my son at the bridge, they made phone calls for mobilisation. They divided themselves into two groups—one coming towards our village, the other going straight to our farms to destroy crops and irrigation equipment.” He added: “Mohammed Kudu was picked up from his farm while he was sleeping. He was killed and his body was set ablaze. When they reached where our youths were farming, violence broke out. One of our youth leaders tried to intervene and calm the situation, but he was attacked and killed with a spear. The spear could not even be removed until we brought his body home.” The Chief Imam of Poto, Jibrin Mohammed, described the incident as “the saddest moment of our lives.” “Ketso leaders have consistently told us that one day our village will be wiped out,” he said. “Today, they have killed my younger brother over land that belongs to us. They have always said there has never been a land dispute without loss of lives. My brother was killed along with another man whose corpse was taken away after he was set ablaze.” Residents also alleged that a fake letter, purportedly issued in the name of the Emir’s Palace, contributed to the violence. “When we contacted the Emir Palace for clarification, we were told the Emir had been away for some time,” a community representative said. “We demand a thorough investigation to uncover the source of that letter and bring those responsible to justice, as it was the spark that led to the chaos and killings.” The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Mokwa LGA, Mr. Joseph Shehu, confirmed that the police were investigating the incident. “I am still investigating the case and will compile my report and forward it to the State Police Public Relations Officer,” he said. Further contact with the Police Public Relations Officer, Niger State Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, yielded an initial response requesting details via WhatsApp. After acknowledging the message, he said he would “verify the details and revert,” but had not done so as of filing the report. The killings followed warnings by residents about a long-standing conflict with Ketso villagers. Only weeks ago, the community petitioned the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar, outlining incidents of alleged land encroachment, destruction of farms, attacks on residents, and threats by Ketso villagers. The petition chronicled incidents dating back to 2013, including attacks on fishermen, burning of homes and property, destruction of solar-powered irrigation systems, and assaults on elderly residents. Residents are calling for state and federal intervention to prevent further deaths and restore peace to the communities.