A 29-year-old barber named Emmanuel Olatonok has been taken into custody by the Jigawa State Police Command for allegedly causing the death of 32-year-old Ibrahim Shago following a dispute in Dutse.
The incident occurred on Thursday, 29 October 2026, at about 5:45pm in the Rafin Sanyi area of Dutse Local Government Area.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shiisu Lawan Adam, the suspect, who reportedly works at Moonlight Hotel in the area, allegedly stabbed Shago in the neck with a knife during a disagreement.
The police said the suspect was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
Shago, a resident of Karnaya town, was rushed to a hospital for medical attention but was later pronounced dead by a doctor.
Following the incident, some youths reportedly gathered at the scene and attempted to vandalise the hotel.
However, police operatives from Dutse Division responded promptly and brought the situation under control, preventing further violence and damage to property.
The police said Olatonok was in custody, adding that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident were ongoing.
The suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Command, CP Tijjani Murtala, condemned the use of violence in resolving disputes and urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding.
He also warned against taking the law into their own hands, advising members of the public to report grievances to the appropriate authorities for lawful resolution.
What You Should Know
This incident highlights a tragic escalation of a minor dispute into fatal violence, underscoring the dangers of handling disagreements through physical altercations and alcohol consumption.
- Positive Impact: Swift intervention by police operatives prevented an angry crowd from destroying property and escalating the civil unrest in the area.
- Potential Concerns: The event serves as a stark reminder of rising violent crimes and the need for emotional control and peaceful conflict resolution among youths.
