By Deborah Nnamdi
At least nine people have been confirmed dead, and four others injured following a violent clash between villagers and Fulani herders in Miga and Jahun Local Government Areas of Jigawa State.
According to a statement released by the Jigawa State police command, the incident began in Gululu village, Miga LGA, when suspected miscreants allegedly broke into a shop and stole hibiscus and other provisions.
The villagers, on realizing what had happened, traced the suspects’ footprints to a Fulani settlement in Yankunama village, Jahun LGA.
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.Police officers from the Miga and Jahun Divisions were deployed to restore order.
The police confirmed that nine bodies were recovered and transported to hospitals in Jahun and Miga, where they were pronounced dead by medical officials.
Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, AT Abdullahi, visited the scene alongside senior officers, the speaker of the state 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.
