Police Confirm Nine Dead in Jigawa Farmers-Herders Conflict
Tragedy struck in Gululu, a quiet community in Jigawa State’s Miga Local Government Area, where a clash between farmers and herders claimed nine lives. The violent confrontation, which spilled into neighboring Jahun Local Government Area, has left the community shaken and grief-stricken.
It all started on Friday when farmers accused herders of stealing from a local provision store. Following footprints traced to a nearby herders’ settlement, tensions boiled over. The village head, Muhammad Sarkin-Dori, shared that the accusations triggered a violent standoff that escalated rapidly.
According to Jigawa State police spokesperson Lawan Adam, the unrest spiraled into a wave of killings and arson, with villagers reportedly mobilizing and attacking Fulani settlements. Homes were torched in multiple locations across Miga and Jahun LGAs.
Police teams from the affected areas rushed to the scene to restore calm, but sadly, nine bodies were recovered. The victims’ remains were taken to hospitals in Jahun and Miga, where medical professionals confirmed their deaths.
In a swift response, Jigawa State Commissioner of Police Ahmed Abdullah deployed additional officers to the troubled areas. A high-level stakeholder meeting was also convened, bringing together community leaders, local government officials, vigilantes, and representatives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.
Discussions focused on ensuring peace, discouraging further violence, and avoiding propaganda or revenge attacks. Law enforcement has ramped up patrols to maintain calm, and the situation is now under control. Investigations are ongoing to bring those responsible to justice.
This tragic event highlights the urgent need for stronger conflict resolution mechanisms in communities to prevent such devastating losses.
