Fresh Violence Erupts in Niger State Community Over Chieftaincy Dispute

Renewed violence has broken out in Muye village, located in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, amid a long-standing dispute over traditional leadership.

Tensions escalated on Thursday evening around 6:20 p.m. when Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir Maigari II, the ousted village head, reportedly returned to the community and forced his way into the palace. His unannounced return immediately triggered clashes between his loyalists and supporters of the current traditional ruler, the Dakachi of Muye.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama revealed that the conflict quickly turned violent, prompting immediate intervention from all local security agencies to restore calm that proved short-lived.

By Friday morning, the fragile peace was shattered as rival groups resumed hostilities in a chaotic, all-out brawl that severely disrupted the peace and raised alarm about a potential escalation into widespread unrest.

In response, security forces deployed reinforcements to Muye to contain the situation and prevent a full-blown crisis. Authorities say that surveillance and monitoring efforts remain active to avert further breakdown of law and order.

As of the time of this report, no official casualties or arrests have been confirmed, and no formal government statement has been issued regarding the latest violence.

The chieftaincy tussle in Muye has been a source of persistent tension, reflecting broader challenges related to traditional leadership and community governance across parts of Nigeria.

Residents and stakeholders are calling on the state government to intervene decisively to mediate the dispute and ensure long-term peace in the region.