Reprisal attack as farmers, herders clash claims ten lives in Jigawa
By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
A deadly communal clash in Jigawa State has resulted in the deaths of ten people, with several others sustaining serious injuries.
The clash occurred when Fulani herders launched a revenge attack on farmers who had previously killed 13 of their members.
The incident took place in the Gidan Nagari community of Jahun Local Government Area.
As of the time filing this report, the burial of the deceased is scheduled for this morning.
Information gathered from from our competent source revealed that ten people have been confirmed dead by medical professionals at Jahun General Hospital, including nine males and one female. The victims were reportedly burned beyond recognition.
The conflict began when, in Gululu village of Miga Local Government Area, a group of individuals suspected to be Fulani broke into a shop and stole hibiscus and other food provisions.
This led a group of villagers (Hausas) to trace the stolen goods to a Fulani settlement in Yankunama village, located in Jahun Local Government Area.
Upon seeing the villagers, the Fulani began shooting arrows at them, which resulted in four people being seriously wounded.
In retaliation, the villagers mobilized and began attacking the Fulani, setting their homes on fire at various locations within Miga and Jahun LGAs.
Upon receiving reports of the violence, police officers from both the Miga and Jahun Divisions were deployed to assess the situation and restore peace.
Nine bodies were recovered, and the corpses were transported to Jahun and Miga hospitals, where a medical doctor confirmed their deaths.
Jigawa State’s Commissioner of Police, CP AT Abdullahi, along with the Area Commander in Dutse, the Assistant Commissioner of Police for the Department of Operations, and the Commander of the Mobile Police EOD, visited the scene of the crime.
In response to the situation, the state executive convened a stakeholder meeting attended by the Jigawa State Speaker, chairmen of the two affected LGAs, district heads, the Miyetti Allah leadership, and vigilante groups.
Also, patrols in the affected areas have been increased to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
In another development, a 15-year-old girl, Zahra’u Dauda, from Bagata Gabas village, conspired with her ex-lover, Lawan Musa, 22, from Bagata Gabas Yamma village, both in Kiyawa Local Government Area, to poison her husband’s food, Kamisu Haruna, aged 29, from Albasu village, Jahun LGA.
The husband and two of his friends ate the poisoned food, and all three developed stomachaches.
They were rushed to the hospital, where one of the friends was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
