CRIME
Bandits Set Houses Ablaze in Renewed Attacks on Niger Villages
From Dan Amasingha, Minna.
The rampaging armed bandits in Niger – East Senatorial District continued their attacking spree to other villages in Shiroro LGA of Niger state, kidnapping people, stealing their farm produce and setting their houses ablaze hours after killing two policemen.
The latest attack is coming few hours after two police personnel attached to Shiroro hydro power station who were on escort duty were killed by bandits.
Communities affected include Kokki, Jabuki, Guto, Gwaja, Sundna and Kokki-Magami, all under Gurmana Ward in Shiroro local government.
The attacks which were said to have been well coordinated were carried out simultaneously on various villages, which had previously come under attack by the bandits.
According to an eye witness, the attacks took more alarming dimension this time as the bandits set many houses ablaze rendering many people homeless.
According to a Source, a lot of the houses in Kokki community were set ablaze adding that about 10 people were kidnapped but no life was lost.
The Source further disclosed that the bandits carted away unquantifiable valuables including herds of cattle, food produce, motorcycles and other properties of the people before setting their houses on fire.
Kokki and Kokki-Magami are recieving another brute of the attacks from the bandits as the communities were involved in the last attacks carried out by the bandits on Friday.
Confirming the attacks, the Co-convener Concerned Shiroro Youths, Sani Abubakar Kokki said that majority of the people in Kokki have lost their homes and most of their cattle to the bandits.
“The reports at my disposal further indicate that, the last night simultaneous attacks took place in six villages in Gurmana ward and took more alarming dimension as the atrocities committed by the heartless criminals this time around include arson among others.
“They set many houses ablaze, kidnapped quite a number of people and carted away unquantifiable valuables including herds of cattle, food stuffs, motor cycles among others.”
He said that the heinous activities committed by the terrorists in Shiroro local government area have become a regular occurrence and have left the affected locals homeless, hopeless, helpless and hapless.
Kokki lamented that they have been abandoned to their fate as these communities do not have the presence of security despite the series of attacks.
When contacted, the Niger state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Abiodun Wasiu said that he will get back back as soon he got details about the latest attacks.
CRIME
Police Detain 2 Suspects, Recover 25 Stolen Phones in Borno
The Nigerian Police Command in Borno has apprehended two suspects and recovered 25 stolen mobile phones during a stop-and-search operation along Damboa Road, in Maiduguri.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
Daso explained that the suspects, identified as Ibrahim Abubako, and Ibrahim Mohammed, were intercepted by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) on Dec.
10 while riding a tricycle.He said that during the search, the operatives uncovered various mobile phones reportedly stolen from individuals across communities and villages along the Borno -Adamawa State border.
He identified some of the communities as Mubi, Tashan Alade, Miringa, Kwaya Kusar, and Biu Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesman said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to snatching the phones from their victims.
“The police have initiated efforts to return the recovered devices with their rightful owner.
“Also, the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.
Daso reiterated the commitment of the Police Commissioner in the state, Yusufu Lawal, to maintain public safety during the Yuletide season. (NAN)
CRIME
Niger Police Command Arrests Three Suspects over Assault on Council Boss
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Days after the Chairman of Katcha local government area of Niger State, Danlami Abdullahi Saku was assaulted and seriously injured over his inability to settle a campaign loan he obtained, the State Police Command said three suspects were now in their custody over the incident.
Niger State Police Command Spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun in a release on Wednesday said On 16/06/2024 at about 1800hrs, information was received at Katcha Div that the Chairman Katcha LGA Hon.
Danlami Abdullahi Saku was attacked by some miscreants along Saku-Gadza village after the Sallah prayer at his village Saku, Katcha LGA.According to the Police Public Relations Officer, the attack was allegedly reported to be linked to a debt issue between the Chairman and one Yanda of the same area.
He noted that the Chairman sustained serious injury during the attack and he was taken to Gen. Hospital Bida, and later referred to another hospital for further treatment.
A preliminary investigation was conducted at Katcha Div and three suspects were later identified, apprehended and transferred to Bida Area Command.
The suspects arrested are; Alh. Abdullahi Kasimu 68yrs of Gadza village, Katcha, Alh. Baba Moh’d 30yrs of the same village and Ahmadu Moh’d 25yrs.
The suspects were transferred to SCID on June 21st for discreet investigation and prosecution.
“During interrogation, Kasimu narrated that he lent the victim over a million naira since August, 2023 and that several attempts to recover the money proved abortive.
“He further said that on June 16th, the victim promised to come and see him, and while he was on the way after the Sallah prayer, his son Ahmadu Moh’d, his in-law Alh. Baba Moh’d among others accosted the Chairman, had an altercation and inflicted serious injuries on the victims”
The State Police Command acknowledged that the victim was about to transfer the money to him at the point before being rushed to the hospital.
However, the suspects are under investigation in SCID, Minna. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend others at large, and they will be charged to court for prosecution immediately after investigations.
CRIME
Chief Imam’s Sallah Ram Stolen in Jos
There was a drama as the sacrificial ram of the Chief Imam of the Mista Ali community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Imam Abdulkadir went missing on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.
Abdulkadir’s ram was reportedly stolen during a downpour in the area on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.
An Imam in the community, Haruna Yaqub, disclosed this during the sermon, shortly after the two Raka’at prayers.
Yaqub, who condemned the incident, described it as “insensitive”.
He added that the act showed that people lack fear for God.
The Imam said, “The Ram of our Chief Imam, which he purposely brought to sacrifice, has been stolen in the night.
We are really shocked by the incident. We were surprised to hear this story. This means that people are not God-fearing.“It is scary that people have gone to the extent of stealing ram meant for religious activity.”
Speaking further, he urged people to be God-fearing and not engage in either stealing or any act of criminality.
He stressed that everyone will account for their actions on earth and hereafter.
“It is high time people repented and took the path of Allah. It is not too late. People should stop committing bad things and act according to Allah’s commandments,” he urged.