The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested eight suspects linked to separate incidents of culpable homicide and the violent unrest that erupted at Gujungu Market in Taura Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson SP Lawan Shiisu Adam confirmed the arrests in a statement issued Monday evening. The operations stem from three distinct episodes that have heightened security concerns in the state.
In the first case, officers detained Saminu Ibrahim, 20, of Gidan Gona village in Ringim LGA, over the fatal stabbing of a 20-year-old man in Dabigel Village. The incident occurred Monday at approximately 10:30 a.m. when a dispute between two men escalated. Ibrahim allegedly used a sharp metal object, locally known as a Danbuda, to stab the victim in the chest. The victim was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead by a medical doctor. The suspect remains in custody pending transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In a separate development, police arrested two men connected to the unrest that broke out at Gujungu Market on July 26. The violence began after an altercation between a soldier and Biniya Alhaji Ibrahim, 25, from Miga LGA. The soldier allegedly stabbed Ibrahim during the confrontation, and he later succumbed to his injuries. The death triggered chaos in the market, where hoodlums reportedly attacked a police station, fired bows and arrows at security personnel, and set two shops ablaze. Intelligence-led operations led to the arrests of Muhammed Muhammed, 22, of Gagarawa LGA, and Faridu Mohammed. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who fled the scene.
The command also announced the detention of six additional suspects over the killing of a vigilante member following the market violence. On August 2, the group allegedly attacked two vigilante operatives with sticks and cutlasses. One operative died from sustained injuries, while the other is receiving medical treatment. The arrested suspects are Isiyaku Abdulkarim, 55; Yahaya Habu, 31; Ibrahim Abubakar, 30; Audu Mamman Janare, 30; Ya’u Duga, 65; and Mamman Musa, 20. They hail from Taura, Gagarawa, Kaugama, and Jahun local government areas. Police also recovered six cows believed to have been abandoned during the unrest.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding each incident and ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice. Meanwhile, a stakeholder engagement involving members of Miyetti Allah, traditional and religious leaders, youth representatives, security agencies, and other community stakeholders is underway. The dialogue aims to address the root causes of the Gujungu Market crisis and prevent future occurrences.
