11 Dead, 31 Huts Destroyed in Jigawa Village Clash

At least 11 lives were lost, and 31 huts were burnt to ashes following a violent clash in Gululu village, spanning Jahun and Miga local government areas of Jigawa State.

The incident, which occurred last Friday, has left the community in mourning and fear, with reports of tension escalating in the area.

Suleiman Abubakar Jahun, a Fulani elder who tragically lost five of his children, described the events as devastating. “I was at home when I heard about the fight between the Hausa and Fulani communities. By the time I arrived, the killings had already begun. It was senseless and heartbreaking,” he recounted. Abubakar emphasized that his children were innocent and not involved in the conflict. Now left with the responsibility of caring for his 18 grandchildren, he appealed to the government for urgent assistance.

Another victim, Amadu Garba Jahun, who lost a child, called for peace and justice. “We’re not seeking revenge or planning to take the law into our own hands. We just want the authorities to do their job and bring justice,” he said.

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The Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has stepped in to provide relief to the affected families, donating 25 bags of rice and N500,000. Families who lost children received additional support, including five bags of rice and N100,000. Dr. Haruna Mairiga, Chairman of SEMA, attributed the clash to theft by unknown individuals. He explained that stolen goods were traced to a settlement, leading to an escalation that resulted in the tragic loss of lives and property.

Hon. Jamilu Muhammad Danmalam, Executive Chairman of Jahun Local Government Area, described the incident as a minor issue that spiraled out of control. He assured residents that efforts were underway to restore peace and security, in collaboration with the state government and security agencies. Similarly, Hon. Bilya Dauda Garbau, Executive Chairman of Miga Local Government, urged security agencies to intervene fully. He commended SEMA for its swift response in assisting the victims.

The Commissioner of Police in Jigawa State, CP AT Abdullahi, revealed that a committee has been set up to manage farmer-herder conflicts across the state. He assured residents that the police command is working tirelessly to arrest those responsible for the violence. “We urge the communities to remain calm and avoid panic. Security agencies are doing their best to prevent further clashes,” Abdullahi stated.

The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to promote harmony and address underlying tensions within communities.