Two men have been killed in renewed violence linked to a long-standing land dispute between the Poto and Ketso communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
Sources said the incident was reported to the Mokwa Divisional Police Office at about 6:45 p.m. on January 29 by a community leader, Mohammed Danjuma.
Earlier that day, youths from the Ketso community allegedly attacked a 45-year-old farmer, Mohammed Kudu, while he was working on his farm. Another victim, Alfa Manko, 35, was reportedly killed after going to the scene of the initial attack to find out what had happened.
“He was attacked on his farmland and did not survive the injuries inflicted on him,” the community member said.
“The other victim only went to see what caused the disturbance, but he was also beaten and killed,” the source added.
Police said the two communities have been locked in a protracted land dispute currently under review by the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.
The Divisional Police Officer has since deployed officers to the area to restore calm, while security has been strengthened to prevent further clashes.
A police source added that officers moved swiftly to both communities and successfully restored order, noting that surveillance has been intensified to avert possible reprisals.
