CRIME
Why Katsina-Ala LG Chairman Was Attacked
From Vincent Nyinongu, Makurdi
Recently, the residence of Katsina-Ala Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Alfred Orya Atera was attacked by unknown gunmen who killed five persons including three police officers and two civilians.
The attack as confirmed by the police public relations officer, Benue State Command, DSP Sewuese Cathrine Anene, received wide condemnation across board especially from Beune State Government which did not only condemned the attack but also vowed to ensure the perpetrators were brought to book.
“Governor Samuel Ortom condemns in strong terms, the assassination attempt on the Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, Hon Alfred Atera earlier today, in which three security men and two civilians were killed.
“The Governor describes the attack, which took place at the Chairman’s Katsina-Ala residence as unacceptable and urges security operatives to bring the perpetrators to justice” Ortom said in a press statement.
The attack was the first major one in the Sankera intermediate area since the slain of the war Lord, Terwase Akwaza alias Gana by the military.
Though there have been assurances from the authorities to curb perennial killings in the state particularly in Sankera, from all indications, that will not be in sight soon as killings have continued unabated.
“He assures the people of Sankera and other parts of the state that his administration will not relent in its collaboration with security agencies to curb criminal activities in all ramifications” the statement further quoted Ortom to have said.
The fear that trailed the death of Gana in Sankera axis would have been dispelled as the area had remained calm despite his abrupt elimination by the military.
Perhaps this has relaxed the body postures of both security personnel and people of the area for this magnitude of attack to take place unchallenged.
Investigation revealed that the attack came as result of the chairman’s refusal to allow certain persons access to collect revenues at the markets and other designated areas as well as illegal revenue collection points.
This angered them so much that they plotted to eliminate him to pave the way for them to contnue feasting on revenue of the local government hence the attack.
What has left much to be pondered is why an attack of this magnitude be successfully executed without timely security response in an already security threatened area like Katsina-Ala that ordinarily, should’ve been a security watch port.
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.