Two people have been killed in separate incidents involving alleged arson and stabbing in Jigawa State, with the police arresting two suspects in connection with the cases.

The Jigawa State Police Command said the suspects were arrested over alleged offences including mischief by fire, culpable homicide and grievous hurt in Gwaram and Dutse local government areas.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Shi’isu Adam, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Dutse on Wednesday.

Man allegedly sets brother’s room ablaze

The first incident occurred on September 29, 2026, at about 11:30 p.m. in Nassarawa village, Gwaram Local Government Area.

According to the police, 27-year-old Abbas Ibrahim allegedly entered the residence of his elder brother, 25-year-old Basiru Shuaibu, by jumping over the fence.

The police said Ibrahim, who allegedly claimed to be of unsound mind, poured petrol inside his brother’s room and set it on fire.

Basiru and his wife reportedly sustained serious burns in the incident and were taken by relatives to a traditional medicine practitioner for treatment.

However, the police said Basiru later died from his injuries while receiving treatment.

Suspect arrested and arraigned

Following the incident, police operatives commenced an investigation and arrested Ibrahim in Sara town, Gwaram Local Government Area.

The case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse for further investigation.

The police said the suspect had already been arraigned before a court in connection with the alleged offence.

Man allegedly stabbed over ₦500 balance

In a separate incident in Dutse Local Government Area, police arrested a 20-year-old man, Lawisi Safiyanu of Chamo village, over the alleged stabbing of a 25-year-old man, Muhammad Abba.

The incident reportedly occurred on October 1, 2026, following a disagreement over an outstanding ₦500 balance from the sale of a mobile phone.

According to the police, Abba bought a handset from Safiyanu for ₦1,500 and paid ₦1,000, leaving a balance of ₦500.

The disagreement over the remaining payment allegedly escalated, during which Safiyanu reportedly used a knife to stab Abba.

Victim dies in hospital

Abba was rushed to the Rashid Shekoni Teaching Hospital in Dutse for medical attention but reportedly died while receiving treatment.

Police said Safiyanu was arrested and the knife allegedly used in the incident was recovered.

The command added that investigation into the case had been completed and the suspect had been charged to court.

Police warn against taking law into own hands

The Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

He also advised members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities, threats and disputes to the police or other relevant security agencies.

The police said they remained committed to investigating criminal cases and ensuring that suspects found culpable are brought before the court.

The allegations against the suspects have not been established by a court.