CRIME
Group Demands Probe of Farmers-Herders Clashes in Kogi Community
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Egume Ome Descendants Union has appealed to security agencies and other concerned institutions and individuals in Kogi State to probe the incessant clashes between herders and farmers in Egume community, Dekina local government area of the State.
In a petition to the committee on the resolution of the lingering crisis signed by the secretary of the Union, Mr Gabriel Ediche and made available to DAILY ASSET in Lokoja, the group said it was disheartened by the blood bath occasioned by conflict over trespass into farms and farmlands by herders in the area.
DAILY ASSET recalls that the vigilante chairman for the community, Mr Attah Isah was recently shot dead in front of his house in Efakwu area by gunmen who reportedly arrived the family compound on motorcycle.
Also, a former vigilante chairman in the area, Malam Attah Wada, (AkA) Ukpono was murdered in similar circumstances, while observing his evening prayers in front of his house, while the Amana- Attah of Ojikpadala – Egume, Chief Isah Edime, was also kidnapped from his house and murdered sometimes back.
The trio were said to have been at one time or another involved in the mediation efforts over such conflicts before their demise.
While commending heads of security agencies, authority of the Dekina local government area, chiefs and elders for their spirited efforts at ensuring lasting peace between the farmers and the herdsmen in the area, the group called for a holistic look at the remote cause of the misgivings in a view to proffering a lasting solution to it.
It noted that the indigenous farmers and the fulani herdsmen have co – existed with love, mutual understanding, respect and even inter – married for decades before now, adding that herders had respected boundaries of the land given to them by chiefs and elders in the area and there had never been any case encroachment, nor crisis of the current magnitude.
“The questions begging for answers are whether the attacks are between the farmers and the fulanis who have lived with us for decades and are already part of the community; where are these armed and violent fulanis coming from; who is accommodating this sect; Oko dudu is a boundary forest that accommodates farmers from Ologba, Anyigba, Iyale, Ikpakpala, Atochi, Etutekpe, Oganigu etc, why is Egume singled out for criminal suspicion and accusation; who owns the land and whether it is possible for the landlord to be at the mercy of tenants he did not bargain for?”
It urged the committee to take time to visit the area under siege for proper investigation, assessment and appreciation of claims.
“In as much as we vehemently frown at criminal elements taking undue advantage of the crisis and killing of cows, the wanton destruction of farmlands, siege on farm produce , the persistent fear of the unknown and the consequential economic pain and agony of the landlords must not be undermined.
“We implore the Committee to be fair, transparent and just in finding lasting solution to this crisis,” it appealed.
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.