Police Nab Suspects Over Deadly Gujungu Market Violence in Jigawa

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested several suspects in connection with the deadly violence that erupted at Gujungu Weekly Market, following a dispute that escalated into attacks on security personnel, arson, and reprisal killings.

The command said intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of key suspects believed to have participated in the unrest, while security operatives are continuing to track down other fleeing suspects.

Police spokesperson, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, said the crisis began after a misunderstanding between a soldier and a 25-year-old man, Biniya Alhaji Ibrahim, from Miga Local Government Area.

During the confrontation, the soldier allegedly stabbed the victim, who later died from his injuries after being taken to the hospital.

The incident sparked violence, with hoodlums attacking a police station, firing bows and arrows at security personnel, and setting two market shops ablaze.

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

Police said the violence later took another turn when suspected Fulani herders allegedly launched a reprisal attack on two vigilante members using sticks and cutlasses about a week after the market incident.

One of the vigilante members later died from his injuries, while the other is receiving treatment at a medical facility.

The suspects arrested include Isiyaku Abdulkarim, Yahaya Habu, Ibrahim Abubakar, Audu Mamman Janare, Ya’u Duga, and Mamman Musa, from Taura, Gagarawa, Kaugama, and Jahun Local Government Areas.

To prevent further escalation, the police command said it had convened a stakeholders’ meeting involving Miyetti Allah, traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, youth representatives, and other security agencies to address the root causes of the crisis and strengthen peaceful coexistence.

The Commissioner of Police commended the swift response of security personnel in containing the violence and assured residents that anyone found responsible for the attacks would face the full weight of the law.

The police urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands, and continue providing credible information to support ongoing investigations and maintain peace across the state.