Two people have been killed in separate incidents involving alleged arson and stabbing in Jigawa State, Nigeria. The Jigawa State Police Command confirmed the incidents and announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with the cases. The incidents occurred in the Gwaram and Dutse Local Government Areas of the state. The police stated that the suspects were arrested for alleged mischief by fire, culpable homicide, and grievous hurt.
The first incident occurred on September 29, 2026, at about 11:30 pm when Abbas Ibrahim, 27, allegedly entered his brother's residence by jumping over the fence. Ibrahim, who claimed to be of unsound mind, poured petrol inside his brother's room and set it ablaze. The fire left Basiru Shuaibu, 25, and his wife with serious burns. They were taken to a traditional medicine practitioner for treatment, but Basiru succumbed to his injuries and died.
The police arrested Ibrahim in Sara town, Gwaram LGA, and he was subsequently arraigned in court for prosecution. The State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse is investigating the case. In a separate incident, a 20-year-old man, Lawisi Safiyanu, allegedly stabbed a 25-year-old man, Muhammad Abba, in Dutse LGA on October 1, 2026, following a disagreement over a N500 balance.
The disagreement arose from a mobile handset that Abba had bought from Safiyanu for N1,500, paying N1,000 and leaving a balance of N500. During the ensuing argument, Safiyanu allegedly used a knife to stab Abba. The victim was rushed to the Rashid Shekoni Teaching Hospital, Dutse, where he died while receiving treatment. The police arrested Safiyanu and recovered the exhibit connected to the case.
The police have completed their investigation into the second incident and charged Safiyanu to court. The Jigawa State Police Command remains committed to taking firm and decisive action against criminal conduct. The police assured residents that offenders would be brought before the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
The Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands. He advised residents to promptly report suspicious activities, threats, and disputes to the police or other relevant security agencies. The commissioner emphasized the importance of community cooperation in maintaining peace and security.
The incidents in Jigawa State are part of a broader effort by the police to address crime and maintain security in the region. Recently, the Enugu State Police Command arrested five persons in three separate operations for allegedly vandalizing and stealing public infrastructure in the state. The Jigawa State Police Command's efforts to address crime are ongoing, with a focus on preventing future incidents and ensuring public safety.
Key points
- Two suspects arrested and charged to court for arson and stabbing incidents in Jigawa State.
- Incidents occurred in Gwaram and Dutse Local Government Areas of Jigawa State.
- Police emphasize commitment to addressing crime and maintaining security in the region.
