Three people were shot during a violent clash arising from a longstanding land dispute between the Katakpa and Elegi communities in the Ebbo Gbacinku ward of Lapai Local Government Area, Niger State.

According to sources who spoke to SaharaReporters, tensions flared when members of the Katakpa community began farming on disputed land, leading to a confrontation with residents of the neighbouring Elegi community who also lay claim to the territory.

“There were heated exchanges of words which quickly escalated into physical violence,” a witness recounted.

The altercation escalated into gunfire, resulting in injuries to three individuals from the Katakpa community. Simultaneously, in nearby Gbage and Chigbaga villages, four individuals were injured in communal unrest.

“This dispute over land ownership has deep historical roots and has been a recurrent issue between our communities,” a resident disclosed.

Simultaneously, in Gbage and Chigbaga communities within the same locality, communal unrest led to injuries sustained by four individuals who are currently hospitalised and receiving medical treatment.

“This dispute over land ownership has deep historical roots and has been a recurrent issue between our communities,” a resident disclosed to SaharaReporters.

The source added that a motorcycle and a tractor were burnt during the faceoff.

Confirming the report, Wasiu Abiodun, Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) said, “The DPO of Lapai Division mobilised patrol teams and vigilantes to restore order.”

“On 3/7/2024 at about 1200hrs, an incident of communal clash was reported through Ebbo Police outstation that there was a clash between Gbage and Chigboga villages via Lapai over a disputed land,” he said.

“The incident is under investigation and effort is being intensified to arrest the perpetrators.

“Consequently, four persons also sustained injuries and were taken to Gulu Gen Hospital for treatment, meanwhile, two persons have been arrested in connection to the clash and the situation is relatively calm, while investigation and monitoring continue, and measures to avert reoccurrence are maintained on the ground.”