Crime

Ethnic Clash in Jigawa: See the Numbers Dead and Homes Destroyed in Violence Between Hausa and Fulani Communities

Published by admin on January 9th, 2025.

Ethnic Clash in Jigawa: See the Numbers Dead and Homes Destroyed in Violence Between Hausa and Fulani Communities

A violent ethnic conflict has erupted in Gululu village, located in Jahun and Miga local government areas of Jigawa State, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals and the destruction of 31 homes. The tragic events unfolded last Friday, escalating tensions within the community and highlighting the fragile peace in the region.

Eyewitnesses reported that the violence began after a dispute between the Hausa and Fulani communities, leading to the brutal killings of innocent people, including children. Suleiman Abubakar Jahun, a Fulani elder, tragically lost five of his children in the attack and now faces the challenge of caring for his 18 grandchildren.

“I was at home when I heard about the fight between the Hausa and Fulani,” Abubakar explained. “When I arrived at the scene, I witnessed senseless killings that left me devastated.” He called on the government to support the affected families.

Another victim, Amadu Garba Jahun, who lost a child in the violence, appealed for peace and justice, emphasizing that the community does not seek vengeance. “We do not want to take matters into our own hands. We simply want the authorities to hold the responsible individuals accountable,” Garba stated.

In response to the crisis, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has provided relief assistance, including 25 bags of rice and N500,000 for the affected families. Additionally, five bags of rice and N100,000 have been given to those who lost children. Dr. Haruna Mairiga, Chairman of SEMA, linked the conflict to a theft committed by unknown individuals, which quickly escalated into violence.

The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing ethnic tensions in the area and the urgent need for intervention to prevent further bloodshed. Local government chairmen from Jahun and Miga have called for calm, assuring residents that they are collaborating with state authorities and security forces to restore peace.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP AT Abdullahi, mentioned that a committee has been formed to address farmer-herder conflicts across the state, and that the police are working to apprehend those responsible for the violence. The incident underscores the need for prompt action from the government and security agencies to address the underlying causes of the conflict and ensure justice for the victims.