At Least 50 Killed, Thousands Displaced In Tegina Communal Clashes

At Least 50 Killed, Thousands Displaced In Tegina Communal Clashes

By Ahmed Liman, Kingimi, Maiduguri

At least 50 persons have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced due to ongoing communal violence between Fulani and Kamuku communities in Tegina District, Rafi Local Government Area, Niger State.

The violence has persisted for several days, with escalating incidents reported in recent weeks.

Residents and officials confirm that the conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement.

Mallam Tanko, a resident of Tegina, told DAYLIGHT REPORTERS that over 30 individuals were burned to death, with an additional 26 deaths reported elsewhere. Many victims are severely injured, and thousands of residents have fled into the bush for safety.

Escalation in Katako and Godoro Areas

Reports indicate that violence intensified in late June. On June 29, at approximately 11:30 p.m., suspected gunmen shot and killed Ibrahim Musa, aged 25, in Godoro village, Katako District. In retaliation, local vigilantes known as Yansakai blocked a road and killed Bashir Mazi, aged 28. Authorities attribute these incidents to a longstanding land dispute between the communities.

On July 1, at around 10:00 p.m., 15 individuals were reportedly burned alive inside a two-bedroom flat in Angwan-Baago near Godoro village. An additional person was killed elsewhere, raising the total death toll from these incidents to at least 18.

Overall, residents estimate that the total number of fatalities since the onset of violence has reached at least 50.

Lack of Government Intervention:

Residents and community leaders allege that the crisis has persisted since June 24 without adequate intervention. Alhaji Isah Tanko of Tegina expressed concern, stating, “The situation has been recurring since June 24, 2026, without any action from authorities. Innocent lives are being lost daily, and both government and traditional institutions have shown insensitivity.”

He further noted that Kamuku residents in Tegina feel abandoned by federal, state, and local authorities, as well as traditional leaders. Alhaji Isah urged the authorities to take decisive action to prevent further escalation and extended sympathies to the families of the victims, wishing the injured a swift recovery.

Government and Traditional Institutions’ Response:

A reconciliation committee, comprising local government officials and security agencies, is actively working to address the crisis. Joint police and military patrols have been deployed to restore peace in the affected areas.

Nigeria’s State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that reports received on June 30 indicated that Ibrahim Musa was shot dead in Godoro village on June 29.

He also confirmed that the killing of Bashir Mazi by vigilantes occurred as a reprisal. Additionally, Abiodun reported that on July 1, 2026, 15 people were burned to death in a house at Angwan-Baago near Godoro, with another individual killed elsewhere, bringing the confirmed death toll to 18.

Official Condolences:

In a formal condolence message, Mr Yusuf Sule (also known as Yusuf Tegina), Dan Malikin Tegina, and His Royal Highness Mal. Ahmed Garba Gunna, Sarkin Kagara, expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of over 43 lives in attacks on Tashan Bako and Kuwan Kasa communities within Tegina District on July 1, 2026. They extended sympathies to the bereaved families, the injured, and all affected, praying for divine forgiveness, swift recovery, and lasting peace in the district and the nation.

The District Head of Tegina, Mal. Garba Bako, and the wider community also received condolences.

Humanitarian Impact:

Many residents remain displaced, seeking refuge in nearby bushes and neighboring villages, with limited access to food, water, and medical aid. Authorities continue efforts to de-escalate tensions, prevent further reprisals, and carry out investigations into the attacks.
The situation remains critical, and authorities have assured the public that measures are ongoing to restore peace and security in Tegina.

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