A devastating communal clash has erupted in Jigawa State, resulting in the loss of at least nine lives and leaving four others injured.
The violent confrontation occurred between villagers and Fulani settlers in the Miga and Jahun Local Government Areas of the state.
The incident began when a group of miscreants, suspected to be Fulani, 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 further, with villagers mobilizing and setting Fulani houses ablaze at various locations within Miga and Jahun LGAs.
Police teams from the Miga and Jahun Divisions were dispatched to restore order. Unfortunately, upon arrival, they recovered nine bodies.
The Commissioner of Police, CP A.T Abdullahi, visited the area and convened an emergency meeting with stakeholders to prevent further violence.
Security patrols have been intensified in the affected areas to maintain peace. The police command has urged residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in maintaining peace.
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.
Also, four houses were burned in Dutse Metropolis following an accident caused by two individuals allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
The police command has assured the victims that justice will be served, and the case remains under investigation.
The police command has urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities to maintain peace and order in the state. Investigations into all incidents are ongoing.
