The Jigawa State Police Command on Saturday confirmed attacks by herdsmen on four communities across Birninkudu, Dutse, and Kiyawa local government areas of the state.
According to police spokesperson, DSP Lawal Adams, the attacks left eight people injured.
He added that all victims are receiving treatment at Dutse General Hospital in the state capital.
The statement read, “ “Information revealed that herdsmen in large numbers armed with bows and arrows, matchets and sticks invaded Baranda village and attacked the villagers.
“The villagers rose up in defence of themselves, resulting in the injuries of eight of them. They were rushed to the Dutse General Hospital for medical attention.”
The statement added that in an effort to address the situation, the Jigawa State Police Commissioner, Ahmed T. Abdullahi, along with Squadron Commander 35PMF Dutse, Area Commander Dutse, and Divisional Police Officers of Dutse and Kiyawa Divisions, visited the affected villages of Kalai, Waza, Baranda, and Katanga.
It said the visits were part of a broader effort for community engagement, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding in Dutse emirate and the state as a whole.
Adams stated that the Commissioner of Police held a meeting with both herders and farmers to stress the importance of synergy, tolerance, and mutual understanding, urging them to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“The Commissioner of Police interacted with major stakeholders of both herders and farmers on the need for collaboration, synergy, tolerance, and understanding of each other. He also emphasized reporting any wrongdoing, encroachment of cattle routes, and other offenses to the nearest police station or other security agencies for immediate action,” the statement added.
The incident came barely one week after a grand ceremony was held at Kabak village in Kirikasamma Local Government Area by the Jigawa State Government to celebrate the peaceful return and confidence between herdsmen and farmers in the state.
