Breaking: Four Killed, Seven Injured As Communal Clashes Resurface In Jigawa

By Mohammed Abubakar Dutse

At least four persons are believed to have lost their lives and seven others injured in renewed violent attack which occured between suspected fulani herdsmen and community members of Dagaceri in Birniwa local government area, northeast Jigawa state.

The latest incident which happened on Wednesday night is reminiscent of the cat and rat relationship between the two groups which has endured several decades,a development blamed on the struggle over grazing land and farm land by the fulanis and the farmers.

According to eyewitnesses, the attack occurred when a group of suspected Fulani assailants invaded Dagaceri , setting houses on fire and attacking residents with cutlasses, bows, and arrows while they were asleep.

Fulanis’ action, it was gathered was in response to an earlier attack on some of the fulanis who allegedly came to steal from the community, leading to the attack and killing of one of the fulanis.

It was gathered that irked by the villagers’ action, the fulanis went back, regrouped and launched a massive attack the community leaving on its trails deaths and several houses burnt and about seven persons sustained various degrees of injuries.

However, the state police command confirmed the development last night, but disputed the casualty figure. The spokesman of the commander, SP Shi’isu Adam said that only two persons have so far lost their lives.

He added that seven persons sustained several degrees of injuries who are now receiving medical attention.

Besides the Police spokesman said more than seven persons have been arrested in connection with the incident. They have now being transferred to the Headquarters of the command in Dutse where investigation has since commenced to determine their extent of involvement.

According to him, “Weapons including bows and arrows, cutlasses, phones, and local charms were recovered at the scene,” he disclosed.

According to the police spokesperson “the attack happened on Wednesday around midnight, sparking fear and chaos in the serene community. The Police quickly deployed Operation Salama to the scene to restore order.”

SP Adam assured that police remain on high alert, stressing, “Our officers are dedicated to protecting lives and property. We will continue to pursue all those responsible.”