The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested nine suspects in connection with separate cases of culpable homicide, an attack on a police station, and violent disturbances at Gujungu Market in Taura Local Government Area.
The arrests were confirmed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, in a statement issued on Monday in Dutse. He said the arrests reflect the command’s ongoing efforts to maintain law and order across the state.
According to the police, the unrest at Gujungu Market began on July 26 after a misunderstanding between a soldier and a 25-year-old man, Biniya Alhaji Ibrahim, from Miga Local Government Area. The altercation allegedly escalated when the soldier stabbed Ibrahim, who later died from his injuries.
The incident triggered widespread violence, during which hoodlums attacked a police station, fired bows and arrows at security personnel, and set two thatched shops ablaze within the market.
Police said intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Muhammed Muhammed, 22, of Gagarawa Local Government Area, and Faridu Mohammed, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
In a related development, six additional suspects were arrested on August 2 for allegedly attacking two vigilante members with sticks and cutlasses during the same disturbance. One of the vigilantes died from injuries sustained in the attack, while the second victim is receiving medical treatment.
The six suspects were identified as Isiyaku Abdulkarim, 55; Yahaya Habu, 31; Ibrahim Abubakar, 30; Audu Mamman Janare, 30; Ya’u Duga, 65; and Mamman Musa, 20, from Taura, Gagarawa, Kaugama, and Jahun local government areas. Police also recovered six cows believed to have been abandoned during the unrest.
In a separate incident, police arrested 20-year-old Saminu Ibrahim of Gidan Gona Village in Ringim Local Government Area over the alleged fatal stabbing of another 20-year-old during a dispute in Dabigel Village.
The victim sustained a stab wound to the chest and was later confirmed dead at the hospital while receiving treatment. Police said the suspect will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department after preliminary investigations and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the command said it has convened a stakeholders’ meeting involving Miyetti Allah, community leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, and youth representatives to address the root causes of the Gujungu Market crisis and prevent future violence.
The Commissioner of Police commended officers and other security agencies for their swift response in containing the disturbances and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
The police also urged residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and continue providing credible information to support ongoing investigations and improve public safety.
