Blood on the Soil: Land Dispute, ‘Fake’ Royal Letter Trigger Deadly Violence in Niger Community
A long-running land dispute between the neighbouring Poto and Ketso communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State has turned deadly, leaving two farmers killed and property worth millions of naira destroyed.
The victims, Mohammed Kudu, 42, and Manko Ibrahim, 41, both indigenes of Poto, were allegedly murdered during what residents described as a coordinated invasion by youths from Ketso. The incident occurred on Thursday, escalating tensions that have simmered for more than a decade.
Community leaders in Poto say the tragedy unfolded just weeks after they petitioned the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, warning of a looming catastrophe if authorities failed to intervene in what they termed persistent land encroachment.
According to eyewitnesses, the crisis began around 2:00 p.m. near a pedestrian bridge along the Gudzan–Poto route. A young man, Usman Mohammed Manko, was reportedly intercepted and assaulted by four youths believed to be from Ketso while returning from Enagi.
During the attack, the assailants allegedly threatened to invade Poto before sunset and “kill anything that breathes,” a statement residents later described as chillingly prophetic.
By about 3:00 p.m., a large group of attackers reportedly mobilised and stormed irrigation farms belonging to Poto residents. Witnesses said the invaders destroyed solar-powered irrigation systems, including water pumps and panels.
Mohammed Kudu, who was said to be resting on his farm after a day’s work, was allegedly ambushed while asleep. Residents claim he was killed and his body set ablaze before being taken away by the attackers. His remains have yet to be recovered.
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As the attackers advanced toward the village, Manko Ibrahim, described by residents as a respected youth leader, reportedly tried to calm tensions and prevent retaliation by local youths. Eyewitnesses said he was struck on the head with a spear and attacked with local weapons. He died on the spot.
Jibrin Mohammed, Chief Imam of Poto and elder brother of the deceased, said the tragedy fulfilled repeated threats allegedly made in the past.
“They always said there has never been a land dispute without loss of lives. Today, they proved it,” he lamented.
A key point of contention is the circulation of a letter purportedly from the Emir’s Palace, which Poto residents claim was fake. They allege the document, reportedly delivered by a messenger identified as Alhaji Ndaman, was used to mobilise the Ketso attackers.
“When we contacted the Palace, we were told the Emir had been away,” a community source said, calling for a forensic probe into the origin of the letter.
Residents say the killings mark the peak of an 11-year cycle of violence, including arson, assaults on fishermen and elderly villagers, and destruction of costly irrigation infrastructure. They blame the absence of a clear legal boundary and a permanent security presence for allowing the dispute to fester.
The Divisional Police Officer of Mokwa, Mr. Joseph Shehu, confirmed the incident and said a report was being prepared for the State Command. The Police Public Relations Officer for Nigeria Police Force, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, also acknowledged the inquiry, saying details were being verified.
Efforts to obtain comments from Ketso community leaders were unsuccessful, as residents declined to speak, citing the sensitivity of the situation.
Poto residents are now demanding the arrest of the alleged letter bearer and urgent intervention to prevent further bloodshed as security agencies intensify investigations.
By PRNigeria
