No fewer than four civilians have been killed and several houses razed after unidentified armed men attacked two communities and a hospital amid renewed communal violence between Fulani and Kamuku groups in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attacks occurred on July 4 following recent hostilities between members of the two communities.
According to the sources, troops of the 45 Battalion deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kagara conducted a fighting patrol to Baka Cin Hatsi and adjoining villages after receiving reports of the violence.
The sources said the troops confirmed that the attackers invaded Anguwan Gizo and Anguwan Karaya villages, where they killed four civilians and set several houses ablaze.
The assailants also raided Asmau Hospital, where some displaced Fulani residents had sought refuge from the violence.
Following the attacks, troops dominated the affected communities to prevent further violence and reassure residents.
Security sources added that the Rafi Local Government authorities have imposed a 12-hour curfew, from 7:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., to forestall reprisal attacks and restore calm in the area.
They said security forces would continue to maintain a strong presence while efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
By Zagazola Makama
