Houses, food barns burnt as violent communal clash erupts in Jigawa 

A violent communal clash that erupted in a community in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State has led to several houses and food barns burnt down.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Lawan Shiisu, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, said the clash occurred late Sunday night when residents of Gidan Na Ruwa Fulani settlement were attacked by a group from Zangon Maje village, leaving at least 26 thatched houses and 16 granaries destroyed by fire.

“At about 21:45 hours, residents of Gidan Na Ruwa saw a large group from Zangon Maje flashing torches and chanting war slogans. This prompted all villagers to flee for their lives,” Shiisu stated.

“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Taura and his patrol team swiftly responded.

“However, by the time they arrived, the assailants had already set fire to 26 thatched houses and 16 local granaries,” the police spokesman said.

He added that a preliminary investigation revealed the conflict began when two men namely Musa Hussaini, 20, and Shanu Sule, 26, both from Zangon Maje, were attacked and their motorcycle was stolen.

“In response, the victims raised an alarm and rallied members of their community for retaliation, sparking a violent confrontation.”

Shiisu however, assured that normalcy had been restored, with intensified patrols in place to prevent further unrest.

“The Area Commander of Ringim led a police team to the affected areas on Monday, engaging with stakeholders in dialogue.

“Five suspects have been arrested and are in custody; they are cooperating with the investigation. The command urges citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and instead report grievances to the appropriate authorities for prompt action,” he said.

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