CRIME
Lalong Grants Amnesty to 1000 Repentant Militia
By Jude Dangwam, Jos
The Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong (KSG) has granted amnesty to about 1000 repentant militia youths for surrendering both small and light arms voluntarily to the Community-Driven Arms Recovery and Rehabilitation Programme of his administration.
He promised to rehabilitate the groups of ex-militias, equipped them with skills and be reintegrated into the society especially now that the stage was set for community policing as approved in the state earlier in the week.
Lalong stated this Thursday during the hundred days in office of the Executive Chairman of Langtang North Council, Hon. Laven Joshua at the local government secretariat in Langtang North LGA of Plateau State.
He maintained that, “for those who have voluntarily turned in their arms, I congratulate all of you for choosing to turn from your old ways and accepting to enlist into this special community driven program developed by these local government councils.
“Our administration is therefore delighted to partner with you to enhance community resilience as well as provide support for the social reintegration of these repentant individuals and groups in the two local governments.”
He said the event was the pilot phase of the Community Driven Arms Recovery and Rehabilitation Programme, meant to “address the proliferation of small arms and light weapons that have become a source of concern and increased the incidences of violent crimes and loss of lives and properties.”
The Executive Chairman of Langtang North, Hon. Laven Joshua appealed that the repentant militia be co-opted into the Community Policing, which the state was about to kick start as part of measures in addressing the lingering attacks on innocent communities.
Joshua stressed that the development was coming out of series of engagement and interaction with both the traditional institutions in Langtang North and Langtang South after suffering from the effect of crisis that engulfed the areas in the year 2000 and 2001.
The Acting-Chairman of Langtang Joint Traditional Council Ponzhi Zinni HRH Nimnan Joseph Langnim said his people willingly surrendered their arms because of the the faith they have in the Governor and the security agency but hoping that his people will not regret it by fallen victim to their enemies.
Some of the weapons surrendered were: “Anti tank gun, Rocket propelled grenades, heavy and light multipurpose machine gun, Automatic riffles, Automatic revolvers, Double and single barrel guns, pump action guns, Fabricated long range revolvers, Den guns, Local shells, local pistols and revolvers, various sizes of live ammunition, various explosive devices,” respectively.
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.