Police arrest eight over alleged killings during Gujungu market violence in Jigawa
Eight Arrested in Connection with Homicide and Market Violence in Jigawa State
The Jigawa State Police Command has apprehended eight individuals linked to separate incidents of culpable homicide and unrest at Gujungu Market in Taura Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson SP Lawan Shiisu Adam reported the arrests in a statement issued Monday evening. The statement detailed that one suspect was taken into custody for the alleged killing of a 20-year-old man during a dispute in Dabigel Village, located in the Ringim Local Government Area.
The incident occurred Monday around 10:30 a.m., when a disagreement between two men escalated into violence. Police noted that the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Saminu Ibrahim from Gidan Gona village, allegedly stabbed the victim in the chest with a sharp metal object known as Danbuda. The victim was transported to a local hospital but was pronounced dead by a physician while receiving care.
Saminu Ibrahim is currently detained as investigations proceed, and he will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Dutse for further inquiry and potential prosecution.
In another case, police arrested two suspects associated with the violent disturbance at Gujungu Market on July 26. This unrest reportedly began after an altercation involving a soldier and a 25-year-old man named Biniya Alhaji Ibrahim from Miga Local Government Area. During the confrontation, the soldier allegedly stabbed Ibrahim, who later succumbed to his injuries.
The subsequent unrest saw hoodlums attack a local police station, fire arrows at security personnel, and set two shops ablaze. Intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrests of two suspects, identified as 22-year-old Muhammed Muhammed from Gagarawa LGA and another individual named Faridu Mohammed. Authorities continue to pursue additional suspects who fled the scene.
Furthermore, police announced the apprehension of six additional suspects linked to the fatal assault of a vigilante member following the market violence. On August 2, the suspects allegedly attacked two vigilante operatives with sticks and machetes. One victim later died from the injuries sustained, while the other is currently receiving medical treatment.
The six suspects have been identified as Isiyaku Abdulkarim, 55; Yahaya Habu, 31; Ibrahim Abubakar, 30; Audu Mamman Janare, 30; Ya’u Duga, 65; and Mamman Musa, 20, hailing from Taura, Gagarawa, Kaugama, and Jahun local government areas.
Additionally, police recovered six cows believed to have been abandoned amid the unrest. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding these incidents and ensure accountability for all involved.
To address the underlying causes of the unrest at Gujungu Market and prevent future occurrences, the police are conducting stakeholder engagement sessions with members of Miyetti Allah, traditional and religious leaders, youth representatives, security agencies, and other community stakeholders.
