At least 18 people have been killed in a violent communal clash in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, north-central Nigeria, following a prolonged land dispute that escalated into reprisal attacks and arson, police authorities have confirmed.

The Niger Communal Clash reached a deadly peak on Tuesday night when 15 people were reportedly burnt to death after assailants set a two-bedroom apartment ablaze in Angwan-Baago near Godoro village.

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Police said the victims were trapped inside the building and died in the fire.

The Niger State Police Command also confirmed that another person was killed at a separate location, bringing the total death toll to 18.

Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said the violence stemmed from a long-standing land dispute between neighbouring communities, which has continued to fuel tensions in the area.

According to the police, the crisis began on June 29 when suspected armed men killed a 25-year-old man, Ibrahim Musa, in Godoro village.

The killing triggered a reprisal attack allegedly carried out by a local vigilante group known as Yansakai, which blocked a road and killed 28-year-old Bashir Mazi.

Abiodun said investigations were ongoing, noting that security agencies were working with a local reconciliation committee to de-escalate tensions and restore order.

“However, investigation is ongoing to identify the perpetrators of this act, while a reconciliation committee headed by the local government council officials are working with the security agencies towards addressing the crisis,” he said.

A community source, speaking anonymously for security reasons, alleged that the violence involved members of Fulani and Kamuku communities.

The source also claimed that several homes were set ablaze and that women and children were among those affected.

Local authorities have confirmed the unrest but declined to provide an official casualty breakdown.

Rafi Local Government Chairman Ayuba Katako said security personnel had been deployed to the area to restore peace and prevent further escalation.

“Yes, the crisis happened in my local government area, but security agents have been drafted to halt the situation,” he said.

Joint police and military patrols have since been deployed to the affected communities as authorities intensify efforts to identify perpetrators and prevent further attacks.

The Communal Clash adds to a growing list of violent land-related conflicts in northern Nigeria, where disputes over boundaries and resources have repeatedly triggered deadly reprisals despite ongoing mediation efforts.