11 dead, 31 houses razed as ethnic crisis breaks out in Jigawa

At least 11 people lost their lives, and 31 huts were destroyed in a tragic incident that struck Gululu village, spanning the Jahun and Miga local government areas of Jigawa State.

The devastating event occurred last Friday, leaving the community in shock and mourning. Suleiman Abubakar Jahun, a Fulani elder who lost five children in the tragedy, recounted the harrowing ordeal, shedding light on the immense loss and grief faced by the villagers.

The incident has ignited tensions within the community, prompting calls for thorough investigations and measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

“I was at home when I was informed of a confrontation between the Hausa and Fulani communities. Upon arriving at the scene, I witnessed rampant killings that were both senseless and devastating.”

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Abubakar stressed that his children were not involved in the altercation and were innocent victims of the violence.

He appealed to the government for assistance, as he is now responsible for caring for his 18 grandchildren.

Another victim, Amadu Garba Jahun, who lost his child, stated that if similar incidents occur in the future, the community would not seek revenge. Instead, they would leave the matter in God’s hands.

Garba emphasised the community’s desire for peace and justice.

“We are not seeking revenge or wishing to take the law into our own hands. We want the authorities to fulfil their duty and bring us justice.”

The Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has donated 25 bags of rice and 500,000 Naira to the affected families.

SEMA also distributed five bags of rice and 100,000 Naira to those who lost children.

Dr. Haruna Mairiga, Chairman of SEMA, attributed the clash to theft by unknown individuals.

He mentioned that the stolen goods were traced to a settlement, causing the situation to escalate, which resulted in the loss of lives and property.

Hon. Jamilu Muhammad Danmalam, Executive Chairman of Jahun Local Government Area, described the incident as a minor issue that escalated into violence.

He assured that the local government, in collaboration with the state government and security agencies, is working to restore peace and security.

Hon. Bilya Dauda Garbau, Executive Chairman of Miga Local Government, called upon security agencies to intervene fully.

He commended SEMA for its prompt response and assistance to the affected families.

For his part, the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP AT Abdullahi, stated that the government has established a committee to manage farmer-herder conflicts across the state.

According to him, the state Police command is working diligently to ensure that all violators are apprehended and brought to justice.

He urged the communities to remain calm and avoid fear while the security agencies work to prevent further clashes.