Gunshots As Hausa, Gbagyi Communities Engage In Violent Clash Over Land
Violence has once again erupted in Niger State as the Hausa and Gbagyi communities clashed over a land dispute in Chimbi, a village under Paikoro Local Government Area.
The confrontation, which broke out over the weekend, left parts of the community engulfed in flames, with sporadic gunfire ringing through the air.
Videos and photographs show thick plumes of smoke rising from burning houses, while terrified residents could be heard crying out for help. However, as of Sunday afternoon, the full extent of casualties and property damage remains unclear.
Sources close to the community disclosed that the latest crisis stems from a long-standing land dispute between the two groups.
The Gbagyi people, who are indigenous to Niger State, have a long history of land-related conflicts, particularly with Fulani herders.
The fierce competition for farmland and grazing space has often led to bloody confrontations.
A similar conflict was recorded in July 2016 when a dispute over land and grazing rights in Bara-kuta, Bosso Local Government Area, escalated into violence. That incident claimed four lives and displaced about 250 people, leaving many families stranded.
In August 2024, another violent clash broke out in Barkuta, Beji District of Bosso LGA, after herders allegedly killed a prominent Gbagyi farmer.
The attack left several people dead and many others injured, forcing residents to flee their homes in search of safety.
The recurring nature of these clashes has been attributed to deep-seated mistrust and historical grievances. Both the Gbagyi and Fulani communities heavily rely on land for agriculture and grazing, often bringing them into conflict.
With each violent episode, reconciliation efforts have become increasingly difficult.
The economic impact of these clashes cannot be overstated. In the aftermath of the August 2024 Barkuta incident, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association directed its members to boycott a major market in Niger State — a move that underscored the far-reaching consequences of the crisis.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities are yet to make an official statement regarding the latest violence in Chimbi.
Residents, however, continue to live in fear as tension remains high.
Efforts to reach local government officials proved abortive, but sources within the community are calling for immediate intervention to prevent further loss of lives and property.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
