Farmers In Niger Community Lament Repeated Attacks, Destruction Despite Peace Deals | Sahara Reporters

According to Yusuf, the latest reported incident occurred on September 19, 2026, when three farmers identified as Yahaya Ibrahim, Rabi’u Jibrin and Bashar Mohammed were allegedly seriously injured.

Residents of the Baji community in the Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State have raised the alarm over alleged repeated attacks, destruction of farmlands, and threats to the lives and livelihoods of farmers in the community.

The residents alleged that tensions between farmers and people they identified as herders had persisted despite previous interventions and peace meetings involving government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers and representatives of the pastoralist community.

Madakin Baji, Malam Usman Yusuf, alleged that more than 60 people had sustained injuries over the past five years in incidents linked to the recurring farmer-herder conflict in the area.

According to Yusuf, the latest reported incident occurred on September 19, 2026, when three farmers identified as Yahaya Ibrahim, Rabi’u Jibrin and Bashar Mohammed were allegedly seriously injured.

The community also alleged that farmers have faced threats and difficulties accessing their farmlands in recent months, while night grazing has reportedly led to the destruction of crops belonging to about 92 households.

The residents said the situation had continued to undermine farming activities and create fear among members of the community who depend largely on agriculture for their livelihoods.

SAD REALITY!!!
Attn, Governor @HonBago
🚨 STORY OF CONCERN: BAJI COMMUNITY, GURARA LGA, NIGER STATE
The residents of Baji community in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State are raising serious concerns over alleged repeated attacks, destruction of farmlands and threats… pic.twitter.com/VHz9irXWZk
— MonITNG (@monitng) September 23, 2026

Following the allegations, a peace meeting was reportedly convened with representatives of the local government, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilantes, Miyetti Allah, the Niger State Government and the Baji community in attendance.

The community said agreements were reached at the meeting, including that the affected herders would leave the disputed farmlands and relocate to a designated grazing area.

They also said the parties agreed that further attacks would stop and that farmers would be allowed to return to their farms and continue their agricultural activities.

However, residents alleged that the situation has persisted despite the agreements reached during the peace meeting.

Reacting to the situation, a civic tech organisation, MONITNG, one of whose staff is said to be a resident of the community, called on the Governor Mohammed Umar Bago-led Niger State Government and security agencies to urgently investigate the allegations.

MONITNG said the government should establish the facts surrounding the incidents and identify anyone found responsible for attacks, destruction of property or threats against residents of the community.

The organisation also called for anyone found to have committed criminal offences to be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“Every citizen — farmer, herder or otherwise — deserves protection. No community should be left feeling abandoned or forced to take the law into its own hands,” MONITNG said.

The organisation also appealed to community leaders and residents to reject retaliation and avoid spreading unverified information capable of further escalating tensions.

“We also call on community leaders and residents to reject retaliation and avoid spreading unverified information that could further inflame tensions,” MONITNG said.

“The priority must be to protect lives, secure livelihoods, restore access to farms, enforce lawful agreements and rebuild trust between the affected communities.”

MONITNG called on the Niger State Government and relevant security agencies to act urgently before the situation escalates further, stressing, “Justice, accountability and peaceful coexistence must prevail.”