The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in connection with separate cases of alleged culpable homicide and the violent unrest that erupted at Gujungu Market in Taura Local Government Area, as investigations into the incidents continue.
The Command also confirmed the recovery of six cattle believed to have been abandoned during the disturbances, describing the arrests as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and ensure those responsible for violent crimes are brought to justice.
Police said a 20-year-old suspect, Saminu Ibrahim, from Gidan Gona Village in Ringim Local Government Area, was arrested over the alleged killing of another 20-year-old during a violent altercation at Dabigel Village on Monday.
According to the police, the confrontation escalated when the suspect allegedly stabbed the victim in the chest with a sharp metal object locally known as Danbuda.
The victim was rushed to hospital but was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor while receiving treatment.
Police said the suspect remains in custody and that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Dutse after preliminary investigations for further inquiry and prosecution.
In a separate development, the Command announced the arrest of Muhammed Muhammed, 22, of Gagarawa Local Government Area, and Faridu Mohammed for their alleged involvement in the violent disturbances that broke out at Gujungu Market on July 26.
According to the police, the unrest began after an altercation between a soldier and a 25-year-old trader, Biniya Alhaji Ibrahim, from Miga Local Government Area.
The trader was allegedly stabbed during the confrontation and later died from his injuries.
The incident reportedly sparked widespread violence, with hoodlums attacking a police station, firing bows and arrows at security personnel and setting two thatched market shops ablaze.
Police said intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of the two suspects, while efforts are continuing to apprehend others who fled the scene.
The Command further disclosed that six additional suspects were arrested on August 2 over the alleged attack on two vigilante members during the same crisis.
According to police, the victims were assaulted with sticks and cutlasses, leaving one dead while the other remains hospitalised.
Those arrested are:
- Isiyaku Abdulkarim, 55
- Yahaya Habu, 31
- Ibrahim Abubakar, 30
- Audu Mamman Janare, 30
- Ya’u Duga, 65
- Mamman Musa, 20
The suspects are from Taura, Gagarawa, Kaugama and Jahun local government areas.
Police also recovered six cows believed to have been abandoned during the unrest and said investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the violence and identify other individuals involved.
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The Jigawa State Police Command said it has commenced a broad-based stakeholders’ engagement involving leaders of Miyetti Allah, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth representatives, community leaders and other security agencies to address the root causes of the Gujungu Market crisis and prevent future outbreaks of violence.
The Commissioner of Police commended officers and collaborating security agencies for their swift response in containing the disturbances and restoring calm.
He also urged residents to remain peaceful, obey the law and continue providing credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and strengthen security across the state.