Police Nab 2 For Killing Village Head, Abductions In Niger

The Niger State Police Command has arrested two suspects, who allegedly killed the village head of Gusasse, Malam Abubakar Yahaya, and kidnapped his daughter to unknown destination.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Wasiu Abiodun, said recently some suspected gunmen attacked Gusasse village via Maikunkele, Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State.

He explained that during the invasion, the assailants shot the village head and abducted his daughter and also invaded the house of a victim at Barkuta, entered Sabon-Gari in Beji, where one Manir was also shot dead and one Alh. Hassan Gusasse kidnapped, and chairman of Gan-Mamman Miyeti Allah with inflicted matchet cut injuries.

Abiodun stated further that following the unfortunate incidents in Beji and its environs, Police operatives attached to FIB Tactical Squad arrested the two suspects based on a tip-off.

He said those arrested in connection with the incident were Risku Suleiman, 34, and Haruna Umar, 20, both of Kupa village via Garatu, Bida Road, Minna.

The PPRO disclosed that the suspects were arrested at Kupa village during a night sting operation in the area, adding that “during interrogation, Risku confessed to the crime that he had been in the acts of cattle rustling with his father, one Suleiman Aga’ala who is an ex-convict for cattle rustling at Angwan-Maireke village, Beji.

“He confessed further that he conspired with his friend, one Umar Awara from Lokoja, who equally invited eight others from Zamfara as thus: Idrisu, Shadai, Yeli, Yusuf and others presently at large, with the said Haruna Umar.”

The Police spokesman said the suspects confessed that the syndicate was responsible for the death of the village head, and that N1.5m ransom was collected for the release of the daughter recently, while same amount was also collected for the release of Alh. Hassan Gusasse.