Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us

The Niger State Police Command has taken four suspects into custody over the alleged killing of the Village Head of Zhilu in Fuka District, Munya Local Government Area, Bawa Barde, aged 53.

The suspects were identified as Zegi Dogari, 48; Danjuma Galadima, 50; Bashir Umar, 32; and John Doma, 35.

Police said the suspects were arrested between August 25 and 28 following investigations into the killing of the traditional ruler.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the village head was attacked at about 3am on August 23.

The assailants allegedly inflicted serious machete wounds on Barde at his residence.

Abiodun said operatives attached to the Gwada Division were deployed to the scene after the police received a distress call at about 7am.

The officers reportedly found the victim lying in a pool of blood behind his residence.

Barde was immediately taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment but was later confirmed dead.

Police investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly planned the attack following the intervention of the deceased in a dispute involving his cousin, Bashir Umar.

The command said the disagreement reportedly worsened after the village head warned Bashir to allow access to a grazing route passing through his farmland.

Investigators also discovered another alleged source of conflict involving Dogari, described as a herbalist, who was accused of having a relationship with the deceased’s wife.

According to the police, Dogari admitted to the allegation during interrogation and was allegedly directed to pay a N700,000 fine.

The command said the different disputes allegedly resulted in the suspects conspiring to attack the village head inside his residence and macheting him to death.

Police further disclosed that Galadima was the deceased’s brother, while Bashir was his cousin, with the remaining suspects also said to be related to the victim.

The four suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, in Minna for further investigation.

They are expected to be charged to court over alleged culpable homicide after the conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the command also announced the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of a cow allegedly stolen from the Kateregi area of Katcha Local Government Area.

The suspects were identified as Tukur Ado, 25; Musa Ibrahim, 42; and Isah Madaki, 50.

Police said they were arrested on August 25 after surveillance operatives attached to the Kpakungu Division intercepted a red Toyota Corolla transporting a cow along the Bida-Minna Road near Gidan-Kwano.

According to the police spokesperson, the driver allegedly refused to stop when officers attempted to search the vehicle and instead sped away.

The operatives reportedly pursued the vehicle until the suspects were eventually arrested around Talba Estate Road.

The cow was recovered from the Toyota Corolla, which bore registration number AE 889 KGK.

During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to stealing the animal from the Kateregi area of Katcha LGA.

Police said investigations into the matter are still ongoing.

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.