A violent land dispute has erupted between the Hausa and Gbagyi communities in Chimbi village, Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving parts of the community in flames and gunfire echoing through the air.
Eyewitness accounts and disturbing footage obtained by SaharaReporters reveal buildings set ablaze and residents fleeing for safety as the conflict escalates. As of Sunday afternoon, the full extent of casualties and destruction remains unclear.
The latest crisis stems from long-standing tensions over land ownership and resource control. The Gbagyi people, indigenous to Niger State, have frequently clashed with other groups, particularly Fulani herders, over farmland and grazing rights. These disputes have historically led to violent confrontations, often resulting in deaths, displacement, and economic instability.
In July 2016, a deadly confrontation between Gbagyi farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Bara-kuta, Bosso Local Government Area, claimed four lives and displaced over 250 people.
In August 2024, another violent outbreak occurred in Barkuta, Beji district of Bosso LGA, after herders allegedly killed a prominent Gbagyi farmer. The attack left several people dead and injured, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
The continuous struggle for land ownership has exacerbated ethnic and economic tensions in Niger State. In the aftermath of the August 2024 Barkuta clashes, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) directed its members to boycott a major market in the state, highlighting the broader economic consequences of the crisis.
As of press time, authorities have not issued an official statement on the ongoing violence in Chimbi. With tensions boiling over once again, residents fear an escalation if urgent interventions are not made.
This latest outbreak underscores the deep-seated historical grievances, competition for land, and the urgent need for sustainable conflict resolution strategies in Niger State. Will the government step in before the violence spirals further out of control?
PIONEER NEWS 