Farmers-Herdsmen Clash: Death Toll Rises to 10 in Jigawa

The ongoing farmers-herdsmen conflict in Jigawa State has escalated, with the death toll reaching 10.

According to local authorities, the death toll has risen to 10 following a violent clash between farmers in Gululu village and a Fulani settlement in Yankunama, Jigawa State.

The conflict is said to have started late Thursday night when suspected herders entered a shop in Gululu village and stole bags of hibiscus owned by a local farmer.

Malam Muhammad Sarkin-Dori, the leader of Gululu village, described the circumstances that triggered the violence: “This morning we discovered a provision shop had been broken into by suspected thieves. Some residents decided to track their footprints, which led them to a neighboring Fulani settlement where the violent clash took place.”

The situation intensified when the herders, equipped with bows and arrows, faced off against villagers pursuing their stolen possessions. Sarkin-Dori described the consequences: “Dauda Kafinta, initially reported missing during the chaos, was discovered dead from bow-and-arrow wounds; additionally, four individuals were transferred to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital following initial treatment at Jahun General Hospital in the State.”

SP Lawal Shiisu Adam, the spokesperson for the Jigawa State Police Command, verified the incident. “On January 3rd, 2025, reports from Gululu village in Miga LGA suggested that a group believed to be Fulani intruded into a shop and stole hibiscus along with other supplies,” he stated.

Adam mentioned that after the villagers followed the footprints to the Fulani settlement, they were attacked with bows and arrows, resulting in four people sustaining serious injuries. In retaliation, the villagers launched an attack on the settlement and set fire to houses in Miga and Jahun Local Government Areas.

He added, “Tragically, nine bodies were found and transported to Jahun and Miga hospitals, where the attending medical doctor confirmed their deaths.”

Authorities have initiated an investigation to identify and prosecute the individuals responsible for the violence.