A tragic communal clash occurred on Friday in the Miga Local Government Area of Jigawa State, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous individuals hospitalized.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and frightening, with one resident stating, “It was like a war zone. People were running in all directions, screaming and crying.” This unexpected outbreak of violence shocked the local community.
Residents, including Falalu Garba from Gunka village, have urged those affected to remain calm and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Malam Gunka, another eyewitness, highlighted the need for community leaders and stakeholders to collaborate for peaceful dispute resolution.
The Jigawa State Police Public Relations Officer confirmed the clashes and reported several deaths, with many others undergoing treatment in hospitals. SP Shi’isu Lawan Adam stated, “We are working to restore calm and order in the affected areas.”
Adam attributed the violence to a long-standing feud between two communities, mentioning ongoing efforts at dialogue and mediation that unfortunately failed to prevent the escalation. He assured the public that law enforcement is dedicated to apprehending those responsible and re-establishing peace.
“We will not tolerate any form of violence or lawlessness in our state. We must learn to live together in harmony and respect each other’s differences,” Adam emphasized. He called for cooperation from the community with security agencies and urged people to allow legal processes to unfold.
Ongoing investigations aim to identify the root cause of the unrest, the number of casualties, and the extent of injuries, while authorities continue to appeal for calm and collaboration to prevent further violence.