Man sets rival ablaze in Niger mining dispute

Two men are receiving hospital treatment after sustaining severe injuries in a mutual attack traced to a dispute at an illegal mining site in Niger State.

The incident occurred at a Fulani settlement near Iwa village in Gurara Local Government Area, security sources told Zagazola on Sunday.

According to the sources, the confrontation began on April 24 at about 9:00 a.m. when Jibril Yusuf, 22, allegedly stormed the hut of Haruna Tukur, 35, and set him on fire following a disagreement at the mining site.

Tukur, in retaliation, attacked Yusuf with a machete, severing his fingers during the violent exchange.

The matter was reported to police on April 25 at about 1:30 p.m. after the Officer-in-Charge of Iwa Outstation brought both victims in for medical attention.

The two men are currently responding to treatment at the General Hospital in Gawu Babangida.

Security operatives said investigations have commenced to establish the full circumstances of the incident, which remains under active review.