Juliana Francis
A teenage boy, Mohammed Aliero Babuga, was among two suspects arrested for invading the home of Abdullahi Garba and kidnapping him.
The Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Magaji Kontagora explained that on 5th December 2022 at about 1:30 am, a gang of kidnappers, armed with dangerous weapons invaded the residence of Abdullahi Garba of Kataru Village, Kwakware-Bakuwai District, attacked and kidnapped him.
“On receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Suru, swiftly mobilised his men and vigilante groups to the scene, pursued the hoodlums, and succeeded in arresting Shehu Abdu, 20 and Mohammed Aliero Babuga, 18, all of Rugan Takalafiya village, Bakuwai District of Suru LGA. Efforts are being intensified to arrest the remaining gang members namely: Ali Dogo, Bello Chama, and Manora, all of the same address, who is still at large, for discreet investigation and prosecution accordingly,” said Kontagora.
The CP also stated that on the 6th of December, 2022 at about 9:35am, some suspected yet unidentified bandits, stormed Mairairai village in Bena District of Danko/Wasagu LGA, in view of which, the 36PMF personnel stationed at Mairairai camp and vigilante from Bena, rushed to the scene. As a result, the intended attack was successfully repelled. Consequently, on the same date at about 11:40am, another set of suspected bandits resurfaced between Malekachi and Bakingulbi villages, Bena District in an attempt to strike again. On receipt of the information, the 36PMF personnel, Bena camp, conventional Policemen, and vigilante group immediately responded as a result of which another serious gun battle ensured. Due to the high firepower of the combined security forces, also the intended attack was instantly repelled. Meanwhile, the area remains calm and aggressive patrol is being intensified by the combined team of security personnel with a view to curtailing the incursion of the bandits into Kebbi State from neighbouring states.
Kontagora noted: “I want to use this medium and send a sound warning to all criminally minded individuals in the state to either repent of their evil ways or relocate completely out of the state. Hence, the Police are poised to do everything possible to rid the state of criminals or make it unconducive for them to operate. With reference to the forthcoming 2023 general elections, I want to also reiterate unequivocally that, as the Police and other security agencies respect the right of individuals to peaceful assembly, we would not fold our arms and watch thugs truncating the peace being enjoyed in the state which we are working to maintain assiduously. I want to advise thugs and their sponsors, to in their own interest, eschew violence, as the command under my watch, in its renewed vigor, is ever ready to keep them out of circulation in the state. At this juncture, I want to call on the NURTW, NARTO, and other road users to always ensure they emplace adequate safety measures in their vehicles and be conscious while driving, with a view to preventing road accidents, which usually result in loss of lives and property. They are therefore advised to observe the speed limit, avoid recklessness and be more careful while driving especially during the festive period. Finally, I am appealing to the good people of Kebbi State to continue to support and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies by giving accurate and timely information for a prompt response.”
