AT least nine people have been killed and four others injured following a violent clash between villagers and Fulani settlers in Jigawa State, according to a statement from the state police command.
The incident occurred after a group of miscreants, suspected to be Fulani, reportedly broke into a shop in Gululu village, Miga Local Government Area, and stole hibiscus and other provisions.
In retaliation, some villagers traced the suspects’ footprints to a Fulani settlement camp in Yankunama village, Jahun LGA. Upon arrival, the villagers were met with an attack by Fulani settlers armed with bows and arrows, resulting in injuries to four individuals.
“The situation escalated when the villagers mobilized and set Fulani houses ablaze at various locations within Miga and Jahun LGAs,” said DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, the Police Public Relations Officer for Jigawa State.
Police teams from the Miga and Jahun Divisions were dispatched to restore order. “Upon receipt of the report, our officers rushed to the scene. Unfortunately, nine bodies were recovered,” DSP Adam said. “The corpses were taken to hospitals in Jahun and Miga, where they were confirmed dead by medical personnel.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP AT Abdullahi, visited the area alongside senior officers, including the Area Commander Dutse and the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations. Stakeholders, including local government chairmen, district heads, and representatives of Miyetti Allah, convened an emergency meeting 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 during the meeting.
Meanwhile, security patrols have been intensified in the affected areas to forestall further breakdown of peace. “We have restored calm and continue to investigate the incident thoroughly to ensure those responsible face justice,” DSP Adam added.
In a separate incident, a 15-year-old girl, Zahra’u Dauda, has been arrested for allegedly conspiring with her ex-lover, Lawan Musa, 22, to poison her husband’s food. The poisoning led to the death of one of her husband’s friends, while two others, including her husband Kamisu Haruna, survived after medical intervention.
“The suspect conspired to poison the food, which was eaten by the husband and his friends. One of them unfortunately died,” DSP Adam revealed. “The case is 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 victims that justice will be served, and the case remains under investigation,” DSP Adam stated.
The police command urged residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, emphasising the importance of community cooperation in maintaining peace.