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The Jigawa State Police Command has confirmed that a communal clash in the state on Friday resulted in nine fatalities and left four others injured.
Earlier reports indicated that the violent conflict, which occurred in Miga Local Government Area (LGA), claimed numerous lives and caused several injuries, leaving many hospitalised.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the clashes erupted suddenly, catching residents by surprise.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, disclosed that the incident stemmed from tensions between communities in Jahun LGA.
He explained, “On 03/01/2025, information from Gululu village in Miga LGA revealed that a group of miscreants, suspected to be Fulani, broke into a shop and stole a quantity of hibiscus and other provisions.
“A group of villagers (Hausawa) traced the footprints to a Fulani settlement in Yankunama village, Jahun LGA. Upon seeing the group, the Fulanis began shooting arrows, injuring four individuals. The villagers retaliated by attacking the Fulani and setting their houses ablaze at various locations within Miga and Jahun LGAs.”
SP Adam added that police officers from Miga and Jahun Divisions swiftly intervened to restore peace. “Nine bodies were recovered, and the corpses were transported to hospitals in Jahun and Miga, where medical personnel confirmed their deaths,” he said.
The state Commissioner of Police, A.T. Abdullahi, accompanied by senior officers and the Area Commander of Dutse, has visited the affected communities to assess the situation.
Bala Wadan, a resident of Gululu village, reported that a stakeholder meeting was held immediately, involving the state House of Assembly Speaker, local government chairmen, district heads, Miyetti Allah leaders, and vigilante representatives. The meeting focused on promoting peace, preventing further violence, and discouraging retaliation.
Meanwhile, security patrols in the area have been intensified to prevent any resurgence of violence.
SP Adam confirmed that calm has been restored, and an investigation is ongoing to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attacks.
