The Jigawa State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on violent crime with the arrest of suspects linked to separate cases of culpable homicide, attacks on security personnel, arson and the recent violence that engulfed Gujungu Market in Taura local government area.
The command also recovered six cattle believed to have been abandoned during the unrest, while a multi-stakeholder engagement is underway to prevent a recurrence of the crisis.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, the command said the first incident occurred at Dabigel Village in Ringim, where a misunderstanding between two 20-year-old youths turned violent.
According to the police, one of the youths allegedly stabbed the other in the chest with a sharp metal object, locally known as Danbuda. The victim was rushed to hospital but was confirmed dead while receiving treatment.
Police operatives swiftly arrested the suspect, identified as Saminu Ibrahim, 20, of Gidan Gona Village in Ringim Local Government Area. The case is under investigation and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Dutse, for further investigation before prosecution.
In a separate development, the command said it had arrested two suspects in connection with the violent disturbance that erupted at Gujungu Market in Taura local government area.
The police explained that the unrest began on July 26 following an altercation between a soldier and a 25-year-old trader, Biniya Alhaji Ibrahim of Miga.
During the confrontation, the soldier allegedly stabbed Biniya with a knife. The victim later died from injuries sustained in the attack.
The incident reportedly triggered widespread violence as hoodlums attacked a police station, fired bows and arrows at security personnel and set two market shops ablaze.
Following intelligence-led operations, police arrested two suspects identified as Muhammed Muhammed, 22, of Gagarawa, and Faridu Mohammed for allegedly participating in the attacks. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects.
The command further disclosed that on August 2, six additional suspects were arrested in connection with the same crisis for allegedly attacking two vigilante members with sticks and cutlasses.
One of the vigilante members later died from injuries sustained in the attack, while the second victim is receiving treatment at a medical facility.
The suspects were identified as Isiyaku Abdulkarim, 55; Yahaya Habu, 31; Ibrahim Abubakar, 30; Audu Mamman Janare, 30; Ya’u Duga, 65; and Mamman Musa, 20, from Taura, Gagarawa, Kaugama and Jahun.
Police also recovered six cattle believed to have been abandoned during the violence, with investigations continuing to determine their ownership and establish the full circumstances surrounding the disturbance.
Meanwhile, the command disclosed that a stakeholders’ meeting involving Miyetti Allah leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community representatives, youth groups, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders is currently underway to address the root causes of the Gujungu Market violence and strengthen community cooperation to forestall future clashes.
The Commissioner of Police, Haruna Alaba Yahaya, commended officers and other security agencies for their swift response in containing the violence and restoring calm.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, warning that anyone found engaging in criminal activities would be arrested and prosecuted.
The police also appealed to residents to remain peaceful and continue providing timely and credible information to assist ongoing investigations and enhance security across the state.