Tension has risen sharply in Takowangwa Community in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State following allegations that individuals from Etisheshi Community carried out armed incursions in an ongoing dispute over ancestral farmland.
In a situation report signed by youth leader and community representative Alh. Alhassan Tsadu-Wangwa, residents alleged that armed men returned to the disputed land on April 22 and 23, 2026. They described the action as part of a coordinated attempt to forcefully take over farmland they claim has belonged to their community for over five centuries.
The report alleged that the group, said to be led by Danlami Ndama, entered the area with weapons including Dane guns, cutlasses, and clubs, and intended to dispossess the community while instilling fear through threats to life.
The community further claimed that the incidents amount to criminal trespass, threats to life, contempt of court due to ongoing litigation over the land, and unlawful possession of firearms, citing relevant provisions of the Penal Code and Firearms Act. They also referenced disturbing injuries among residents, including individuals reportedly treated for facial wounds.
The statement also recalled an earlier violent incident on March 7, 2025, in which the community alleged that the same group carried out an armed attack that left several people injured by gunfire and resulted in one death.
Residents expressed concern that despite repeated complaints, no arrests have been made, alleging that the principal suspects continue to move freely and have made statements suggesting they are beyond the reach of authorities.
The dispute is currently before the Niger State High Court, where a case has been filed regarding ownership of the contested land. However, the Takowangwa Community accused the opposing side of undermining the judicial process, alleging resort to self-help and actions in contempt of court.
Community leaders warned that the situation shows signs of escalation and urged immediate intervention, stressing that the individuals involved are allegedly armed and previously linked to fatal violence, raising fears of further loss of life if urgent action is not taken.
They called on the Nigeria Police Force in Mokwa and the Niger State Command to arrest the suspects and investigate allegations including murder, attempted murder, criminal trespass, and illegal possession of firearms. They also appealed to the Department of State Services to intervene to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Additionally, they urged the judiciary to take notice of the alleged contemptuous conduct, while appealing to traditional and political authorities, including the Etsu Nupe and the Niger State Government, to help restore calm and support enforcement of the pending legal process.
Despite the allegations, the community reiterated that it remains committed to the rule of law and will not take matters into its own hands, stating that it has submitted to the court’s jurisdiction and awaits a legal resolution.
However, they warned of worsening humanitarian and security consequences if the situation continues unresolved, insisting that protection and justice are urgently needed as tensions remain high. Authorities have not yet issued an official response to the allegations, while previous attempts to reach the individuals accused for comment were unsuccessful.
The dispute between both communities has been ongoing, with an earlier clash in March 2025 also linked to the same contested land, resulting in casualties and injuries according to community accounts.
