CRIME
Middle Belt Forum Decries Herdsmen Attacks in Benue, Kaduna, Others
The Middle Belt Forum, MBF, has expressed great concern with the way many communities in the region have come under what they called unprovoked and premeditated attacks by suspected herdsmen resulting in the loss of lives and massive destruction of property.
The forum observed that amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that has resulted in lockdown in states of the country, it expressed dismay that many communities in the region have come under attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The statement by its National President, Pogu Bitrus, noted that killer herdsmen in the early hours of Sunday, June 14, 2020, launched an onslaught on Agatu communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, killing no fewer than nine persons and injuring 15 persons, adding that the attackers also razed down the Adana community and torched many houses in three communities of Olegogbeche, Olegeje and Olegede with the injured presently receiving medical treatment in undisclosed hospitals.
The forum further observed, “Penultimate Sunday, these bandits had invaded Igede communities of Itakpa and Echori in Okpokwu Council Ward of Obi Local Government Area of Benue State where they killed no fewer than 15 persons and injured 23 persons. Those who sustained various degrees of injuries were taken to hospitals in Oju and Otukpo LGAs, while hundreds of internally displaced persons took refuge at the IDP camp located at the Pilot Primary School Ibarike-ito.”
The statement noted that the renewed Benue attacks by those the forum described as “bloodthirsty herdsmen” is a reflection of the resurging insecurity ripping across various communities in the country.
In Kaduna state, the statement added that agents of terror have continued to let loose their long fangs of horror and spreading dread, as tension continues to brew in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of the state, pointing out that the killing of an Chawai young man over farmland by the Hausa ethnic group had led to the deployment of security personnel who shot another youth to death and left 14 other persons injured.
“The present tension in Kaduna state is coming on the heels of spates of killings and decimation of Adara communities in Kajuru Local Government Area where dozens have been killed and several villages sacked, with thousands rendered homeless and now in IDP camps and faced with a bleak future,” the forum lamented.
patients, records 35 new cases
In Niger state, according to the forum, Gbagyi, Kamuku, Ungwai and Bassa communities have also come under renewed attacks in Munya, Rafi and Shiroro Local Government Areas, with recent onslaughts claiming the lives of many people, including a cleric and kidnappings of others.
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.