Two killed in land dispute violence in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Two men have been killed in a clash linked to a long-standing land dispute between Poto and Ketso communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger.
Sources told Zagazola that the incident was reported to the Mokwa Divisional Police Office at about 6:45 p.m. on Jan. 29 by Hon. Mohammed Danjuma of Poto village.
The source said that earlier the same day, some youths from Ketso community allegedly attacked Mohammed Kudu, 45, of Poto village while he was on his farm.
“He was assaulted and later died from the injuries,” the source said.
The source added that around the same time, another farmer from Poto village, Alfa Manko, 35, who went to find out what was happening after hearing noise from the area, was also attacked by the same group and killed.
According to the police, the two communities have been embroiled in a protracted land dispute, which is currently before the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar (CFR), for resolution.
The Divisional Police Officer in Mokwa immediately mobilised a team of officers to both communities, the source said, adding that the situation had been brought under control and monitoring had been sustained.
The police said investigation was ongoing and warned against taking the law into one’s hands, urging residents to allow due process to address disputes.
