Herdsmen Attack Four Communities in Jigawa, Police Call for Peace
The Jigawa Police Command has confirmed that herdsmen have attacked four communities in the Birninkudu, Dutse, and Kiyawa Local Government Areas of the state.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s spokesman, Lawal Adams, eight individuals were injured in the attacks and are currently receiving treatment at Dutse General Hospital.
The statement read, “Herdsmen, armed with bows and arrows, machetes, and sticks, invaded Baranda village and attacked the residents. The villagers defended themselves, resulting in injuries to eight people who were subsequently taken to Dutse General Hospital for medical care.
“To promote community engagement, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding within Dutse emirate and the entire state, the Jigawa State Police Commissioner, Ahmed T. Abdullahi, accompanied by the Squadron Commander 35PMF Dutse, Area Commander Dutse, and Divisional Police Officers of Dutse and Kiyawa Divisions, visited the affected villages of Kalai, Waza, Baranda, and Katanga. These areas, in the Dutse, Kiyawa, and Birnin Kudu Local Government Areas, have recently experienced hostilities between farmers and herders, leading to numerous injuries and the destruction of farmlands.”
Adams noted that the Commissioner of Police met with both herders and farmers to emphasize the importance of cooperation, tolerance, and mutual understanding, urging them to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“The Commissioner of Police engaged with key stakeholders from both communities, stressing the need for collaboration, tolerance, and mutual understanding. He urged them to report any incidents of misconduct, encroachment on cattle routes, or other offenses to the nearest police station or security agency for immediate action,” the statement added.
This incident occurred just a week after a grand ceremony at Kabak village in Kirikasamma Local Government Area, where the Jigawa State Government celebrated the peaceful reconciliation and renewed confidence between herdsmen and farmers in the state.