Police arrest eight over alleged killings during Gujungu market violence in Jigawa

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in connection with separate incidents of culpable homicide and the recent violent unrest at Gujungu Market in Taura Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday evening.

According to the statement, one suspect was arrested over the alleged killing of a 20-year-old man following a dispute in Dabigel Village, Ringim Local Government Area.

The command said the incident occurred on Monday at about 10:30 a.m. when a misunderstanding between two men reportedly escalated into violence.

“The suspect allegedly stabbed the victim on the chest with a sharp metal object known as Danbuda. The victim was rushed to hospital but was confirmed dead by a medical doctor while receiving treatment,” the statement said.

Police identified the suspect as Saminu Ibrahim, 20, of Gidan Gona village in Ringim LGA. He is currently in custody as investigations continue before his transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Dutse for further investigation and possible prosecution.

In a separate development, the command said it arrested two suspects linked to the violent unrest that broke out at Gujungu Market on July 26.

The disturbance reportedly began after an altercation between a soldier and a 25-year-old man, Biniya Alhaji Ibrahim, from Miga Local Government Area. Police said the soldier allegedly stabbed Ibrahim during the confrontation, and the victim later died from his injuries.

The incident triggered unrest in the market, with hoodlums allegedly attacking a police station, firing bows and arrows at security personnel and setting two shops ablaze.

Police said intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Muhammed Muhammed, 22, of Gagarawa LGA, and Faridu Mohammed, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others who fled the scene.

The command also announced the arrest of six additional suspects over the killing of a vigilante member during the aftermath of the market violence.

According to police, the suspects allegedly attacked two vigilante operatives with sticks and cutlasses on August 2. One of the victims later died from injuries sustained in the assault, while the second victim is receiving treatment at a medical facility.

The six 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, all from Taura, Gagarawa, Kaugama and Jahun local government areas.

Police also recovered six cows believed to have been abandoned during the unrest.

The command said investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incidents and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.

Meanwhile, the police disclosed that a stakeholder engagement involving members of Miyetti Allah, traditional and religious leaders, youth representatives, security agencies and other community stakeholders was underway to address the root causes of the Gujungu Market crisis and prevent future occurrences.