Jigawa State Police Command has disclosed that no fewer than nine people lost their lives and four others injured following a violent clash between villagers and Fulani herders in Miga and Jahun Local Government Areas of the state.
The command, which made this disclosure in a statement, the incident began in Gululu village, Miga LGA, when suspected miscreants allegedly broke into a shop and stole hibiscus and other provisions. Villagers traced the suspects’ footprints to a Fulani settlement in Yankunama village, Jahun LGA.
According to the statement, the confrontation escalated when the herders allegedly attacked the villagers with bows and arrows, leaving four people critically injured. In retaliation, the villagers launched an attack, burning several homes in the Fulani settlement across the two LGAs.
Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, AT Abdullahi, visited the scene alongside with senior officers, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, LGA Chairmen, and leaders of Miyetti Allah.
Stakeholders urged calm and called for an end to reprisal attacks. Police patrols have been intensified in the affected areas to prevent further violence.
The police assured the public that investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute those responsible for the incident.