The death toll in the violent clash between farmers and herders in Gululu, a community in Miga Local Government Area of Jigawa State, has risen to nine, police authorities have confirmed.
The altercation, which began on Friday over allegations of theft, spiraled into a deadly confrontation that spread to neighboring Jahun Local Government Area. Lawan Adam, the spokesperson for the Jigawa State Police Command, disclosed the updated casualty figure in a statement on Saturday.
The crisis reportedly began when some peasant farmers accused herders of stealing items from a provision store in Gululu. According to the village head, Muhammad Sarkin-Dori, footprints from the scene of the theft were traced to a herders’ settlement, igniting tensions. The situation quickly escalated as both groups engaged in retaliatory violence.
The police confirmed that nine bodies were recovered during the aftermath of the confrontation. One of the victims, identified as Dauda Kafinta, had been declared missing during the melee but was later found dead. Lawan Adam noted that the conflict extended to neighboring communities, with acts of arson and further attacks reported in both Miga and Jahun LGAs.
“Villagers mobilized and attacked Fulani settlements, torching their houses at various locations in Miga and Jahun Local Government Areas,” the police spokesperson said. He added that security operatives from the Miga and Jahun divisions were deployed to the scene to restore peace.
The bodies of the victims were transported to hospitals in Jahun and Miga, where medical personnel confirmed the fatalities. In response to the crisis, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ahmed Abdullah, convened an emergency meeting with key stakeholders, including Jigawa State House of Assembly Speaker Haruna Aliyu, local government chairmen, district heads, and representatives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.
The meeting focused on strategies to maintain law and order, prevent the spread of misinformation, and avert reprisal attacks. “Patrols have been intensified in the affected areas to ensure peace, and the situation has been brought under control,” Mr. Adam said, adding that investigations are underway to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence.
The police reiterated their commitment to fostering dialogue between farmers and herders to prevent future conflicts, emphasizing the need for peaceful coexistence in the state.
By Saifullahi Muhammad
