Police Arrest Key Suspects Over Deadly Gujungu Market Violence in Jigawa

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested several suspects in connection with the deadly violence that rocked Gujungu Weekly Market, saying intelligence-led operations are ongoing to apprehend other individuals linked to the unrest. The command said the disturbance escalated from a local disagreement into a series of attacks on security personnel, destruction of property and reprisal violence that claimed lives and left several others injured.

Police spokesperson SP Lawan Shiisu Adam said the crisis began after an altercation between a soldier and 25-year-old Biniya Alhaji Ibrahim from Miga Local Government Area. During the confrontation, the soldier allegedly stabbed Ibrahim, who later died in hospital. The incident sparked violent protests, with hoodlums attacking a police station, firing bows and arrows at security operatives and setting two market shops ablaze. Officers also recovered six cows believed to have been abandoned during the chaos.

Authorities said the violence later escalated when suspected Fulani herders allegedly launched a reprisal attack on two vigilante members using sticks and cutlasses about a week after the market clash. One of the vigilantes later died from his injuries, while the second victim remains hospitalized. Police identified those arrested as Isiyaku Abdulkarim, Yahaya Habu, Ibrahim Abubakar, Audu Mamman Janare, Ya’u Duga and Mamman Musa, all from Taura, Gagarawa, Kaugama and Jahun local government areas.

To prevent further violence, the police command convened a stakeholders’ meeting involving Miyetti Allah, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth representatives and other security agencies to promote dialogue and restore peace. The Commissioner of Police commended officers for containing the crisis and assured residents that everyone found responsible would face prosecution, while urging the public to remain calm and continue supporting ongoing investigations with credible information.