The extent of casualties and damage remains unclear as of Sunday afternoon. SaharaReporters gathered that the latest crisis stems from a land dispute.
Fighting has broken out between the Hausa and Gbagyi communities in Chimbi, a village under Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, over a land dispute.
Videos and photos obtained by SaharaReporters show parts of the community engulfed in flames, with the sound of gunfire ringing out in the background.
The extent of casualties and damage remains unclear as of Sunday afternoon. SaharaReporters gathered that the latest crisis stems from a land dispute.
The Gbagyi people, indigenous to Niger State, have a long history of conflicts over land use and resource control, particularly with Fulani herders. These disputes often escalate into violence, driven by competition for farmland and grazing areas.
In July 2016, a confrontation between Gbagyi farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Bara-kuta, Bosso Local Government Area, resulted in four deaths and displaced about 250 people. The conflict stemmed from disagreements over land and grazing rights.
Similarly, in August 2024, violence erupted in Barkuta, Beji district of Bosso LGA, after herders allegedly killed a prominent Gbagyi farmer. The clash left several people dead and injured, with many residents fleeing to avoid further attacks.
The recurring nature of these conflicts is rooted in fierce competition over land, which both the Gbagyi and Fulani communities rely on for agriculture and grazing. Historical grievances and deep-seated mistrust have further complicated reconciliation efforts.
Following the August 2024 clash in Barkuta, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association instructed its members to boycott a major market in Niger State, underscoring the broader economic impact of the ongoing tensions.
Authorities are yet to comment on the latest violence in Chimbi.