A violent communal clash in Taura Local Government Area (LGA) of Jigawa State has left at least 26 thatched houses and 16 granaries destroyed by fire, the police confirmed on Monday.
The Jigawa Police Public Relations Officer, Lawan Shiisu, said the incident occurred late Sunday night when residents of Gidan Na Ruwa Fulani Settlement were confronted by a group from Zangon Maje Village.
“At about 21:45 hours, residents of Gidan Na Ruwa saw a large group from Zangon Maje flashing torches and chanting war slogans. This prompted all villagers to flee for their lives,” Shiisu stated.
Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Taura and his patrol team swiftly responded.
However, by the time they arrived, the assailants had already set fire to 26 thatched houses and 16 local granaries.
He stated that a preliminary investigation revealed the conflict began when Musa Hussaini, 20, and Shanu Sule, 26, both from Zangon Maje, were attacked and their motorcycle was stolen.
In response, the victims raised an alarm and rallied members of their community for retaliation, sparking a violent confrontation.
However, Shiisu assured that normalcy had been restored, with intensified patrols in place to prevent further unrest.
He noted that the Area Commander of Ringim led a police team to the affected areas on Monday, engaging with stakeholders in dialogue.
Shiisu further disclosed that five suspects had been arrested and were in custody, cooperating with the investigation.
“The command urges citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and instead report grievances to the appropriate authorities for prompt action,” he said.
He also warned that anyone found guilty of violence would face strict legal consequences.
