Bandits Kill Four, Burn Houses in Niger's Rafi LGA Attack

Bandits killed four in Rafi, Niger State on July 4, burnt homes and raided hospital amid fresh Fulani-Kamuku clash.

Burnt houses in Anguwan Gizo and Anguwan Karaya after deadly bandits attack in Rafi LGA, Niger State during Fulani-Kamuku communal violence

Rafi Local Government in Niger State is tense again. Four people have been confirmed dead after armed bandits swept through two villages and a hospital on Friday, July 4.

The attack is linked to the renewed communal fight between Fulani and Kamuku groups in the area. Residents say the hostilities have been building for days before it boiled over.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama first shared details of the incident in a post on X. He said the violence started early in the day and spread quickly across the farming settlements.

Following distress calls, troops from the 45 Battalion at the Forward Operating Base in Kagara moved into the area. They carried out a fighting patrol around Baka Cin Hatsi and nearby villages to assess the situation.

The soldiers confirmed the worst at Anguwan Gizo and Anguwan Karaya. Four civilians were killed in the two communities. Several houses were also set ablaze before the attackers pulled out.

The bandits did not stop at the villages. They stormed Asmau Hospital in the same axis. At the time, displaced Fulani residents who fled earlier clashes were taking shelter inside the facility.

It is not yet clear if anyone was hurt in the hospital raid, but the attack has heightened fear among locals. Many families have now left their homes for safer communities.

After the incident, the military took control of the affected areas. Troops are now dominating Anguwan Gizo, Anguwan Karaya and the hospital environment to prevent reprisal attacks.

To restore calm, the Rafi Local Government Council has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew. Movement is restricted from 7:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. daily until further notice.

Security sources told Obgist that patrols will continue while intelligence teams work to track those behind the killings. No arrest has been announced yet.

Niger State has recorded repeated clashes between Fulani herders and Kamuku farmers in Rafi LGA this year, often fueled by land disputes and reprisal attacks.