KEY POINTS

• Man threatens to destroy Niger-Kebbi border communities.
• He warns residents against farming in the area.
• His threats come amid existing land and security tensions.

A man identified as Usman has issued threats to destroy several communities around the Niger-Kebbi boundary, raising fresh concerns over security and growing tensions between farming and pastoralist communities in the area.

Usman made the threats in a video recorded in Hausa and seen by SaharaReporters. In the video, he warned that several towns in Kwanji, Babanna in Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas of Niger State, as well as communities close to the Niger-Kebbi border, could be destroyed.

He also called on Fulani residents in the affected communities to leave, while saying that he no longer believed their grievances should be taken to the courts or addressed through Miyetti Allah.

In the video, Usman repeatedly warned that communities in the affected areas would be destroyed and that residents would face the consequences of what he described as their actions.

He said he had already made his position clear and claimed that people across the country were aware of his warning.

Usman also told people who receive the video to forward it to government officials, Miyetti Allah representatives and prominent Fulani leaders.

He specifically mentioned the governors of Niger and Kebbi states, asking that they be informed about his threats.

Warns residents against farming

The man also warned residents in the affected areas that they would not be allowed to farm there.

He said the land would no longer be available for farming and repeated his claim that several towns would eventually be destroyed.

The threats have caused concern because the communities mentioned are located in an area that has experienced security challenges and disputes involving access to farmland, grazing areas and other resources.

Usman also criticised the use of courts to settle disputes involving Fulani communities.

He questioned the value of taking grievances to court, arguing that years of legal action had not produced what he considered justice for Fulani people.

He further warned Miyetti Allah against attempting to intervene in the matter through the courts or government authorities.

Despite this, he asked those who received his video to send it to Miyetti Allah officials and senior Fulani leaders so they could hear his message.

The man specifically called on people to make the governors of Niger and Kebbi states aware of his warning.

His message comes at a time when security concerns remain high in parts of Niger State and communities close to the Kebbi border.

The area has faced disputes between farming and pastoralist groups, with disagreements often linked to access to farmland, grazing routes, land ownership and allegations of attacks.

The threats could further increase fear among residents if they are not quickly addressed by the relevant authorities.

While the video contains serious threats, the report does not establish whether Usman has the ability or intention to carry out the attacks he described.

Authorities are expected to assess the video, identify the man and determine the level of risk posed by the threats.

The situation also highlights the need for security agencies and community leaders to address disputes before they escalate into violence.

Residents in the affected communities are likely to remain concerned over their safety, particularly given the history of insecurity and communal disputes in parts of the region.