By Ayomide Otioju
At least nine people were killed and four others injured in a violent clash between villagers and Fulani settlers in Jigawa State, the police confirmed on Friday.
The conflict began in Gululu village, Miga Local Government Area, when suspected Fulani individuals reportedly broke into a shop and stole hibiscus and other provisions. In retaliation, villagers tracked the suspects’ footprints to a Fulani settlement in Yankunama village, Jahun LGA. Upon arrival, they were attacked by settlers armed with bows and arrows, leaving four injured.
The situation escalated as villagers mobilized and set Fulani homes ablaze in various locations across Miga and Jahun LGAs, according to DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, the Police Public Relations Officer for Jigawa State.
“Upon receipt of the report, our officers rushed to the scene. Unfortunately, nine bodies were recovered,” DSP Adam stated. “The corpses were taken to hospitals in Jahun and Miga, where medical personnel confirmed them dead.”
Police and Community Response
The Commissioner of Police, CP AT Abdullahi, visited the affected areas alongside senior officers, including the Area Commander Dutse and the Assistant Commissioner of Police for Operations. An emergency meeting involving local government leaders, district heads, and representatives of Miyetti Allah was convened to prevent further violence.
“Our focus now is on maintaining law and order. We are working closely with community leaders to avoid reprisal attacks and ensure the safety of all residents,” CP Abdullahi said.
Security patrols have been intensified in the affected areas to maintain peace, while investigations are underway to bring those responsible to justice, DSP Adam added.
Separate Incidents Highlight Further Unrest
In an unrelated case, a 15-year-old girl, Zahra’u Dauda, was arrested for allegedly conspiring with her ex-lover, Lawan Musa, 22, to poison her husband’s food. The poisoning resulted in the death of one of her husband’s friends, while her husband and another friend survived after receiving medical treatment.
“The suspect conspired to poison the food, which was eaten by the husband and his friends. One of them unfortunately died,” DSP Adam revealed, adding that the case remains under investigation.
Additionally, four houses were burned in Dutse Metropolis following an accident caused by two individuals allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
The Commissioner of Police assured the public that justice would be served in all cases and urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
Call for Community Cooperation
The police command emphasized the importance of community collaboration in maintaining peace, stressing the need to refrain from actions that could exacerbate tensions in the region. Investigations into all incidents are ongoing.
