Ethnic Conflict Claims 11 Lives, Razes 31 Houses In Jigawa

• As State government floats Committee to tackle farmer vs herder crisis – Police CP

As families continue to count their losses in the ethnic conflict that claimed 11 lives with 31 Houses razed in Jigawa State last Friday, the State government has set up a committee aimed at tackling the worrying crisis, especially the farmer-harder hostilities across the state

This is the State Government has expressed regrets at the senseless killings and destruction of property in Gululu village in Miga local government area and other locations within the Jahun Local Government Area of the State.

Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Police Command, Ahmadu Tijjani Abdullahi, who confirmed that the Committee is already in place, also said the State Police Command is working assiduously to ensure that all violators and criminal elements are arrested and brought to justice.

Assuring that the situation is already under control, the Police Commissioner disclosed that an investigation is currently ongoing and all the perpetrators of the dastardly crime would be made to face the wrath of the law.

He urged all the communities to remain calm and avoid any form of reprisal attacks as the security agencies were doing their best to ensure the safety of lives and property of citizens in Jigawa State.

The Police Commissioner spoke against the backdrop of the tragic incident, which occurred last Friday, sparking tension in the community, even as a stakeholders’ meeting was immediately convened and attended by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chairmen of the two LGAs, District heads, Miyetti Allah leadership, and vigilance groups among others.

An eyewitness, Suleiman Abubakar Jahun, a Fulani elder who lost five children in the crisis, recounted the horrific incident, saying; “I was at home when people informed me of a fight between Hausa and Fulani communities. Upon arriving at the scene, I witnessed rampant killings, which were senseless and devastating.”

While insisting that his children were were innocent victims as they were not involved in the conflict, Abubakar appealed to the government for urgent assistance because he is now faced with the responsibility of caring for his 18 grandchildren that have been rendered fatherless.

Another victim, Amadu Garba Jahun, who also lost his child in the conflict, described the killings and attack on their community as unwarranted, noting that the incident has now put many families in ruins.

However, he said despite the current pain, if similar incidents were to happen in the future, the community would not seek any revenge, instead, they would leave the matter in the hands of God.

Emphasizing the community’s desire for peace and justice at all times, Garba said; “We’re not seeking revenge or wanting to take the law into our own hands. We want the authorities to do their job and bring us justice.”

Meanwhile, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has donated 25 bags of rice and N500,000 to the affected families.

Additionally, the Agency also distributed five bags of rice and N100,000 to those who lost children and loved ones in the crisis.

Commenting on the development, Chairman of SEMA, Dr Haruna Mairiga attributed the clash to theft by unknown individuals, noting that the stolen goods were traced to a settlement and the situation escalated, resulting in the loss of lives and property.

In his reaction, 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, were working to restore peace and security.

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

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