Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Clement Anthony, over the alleged killing of a community leader in Bauchi Local Government Area and recovered a firearm believed to have been used in the attack.
Police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the suspect was apprehended shortly after the incident and found in possession of a locally made single-barrel gun and an empty cartridge.
According to the statement, the incident was reported at the ‘A’ Division Township Police Station on July 19 by a resident of Unguwar Ngas, Inkil, Bauchi.
“The complainant stated that on the same date, while at Unguwar Ngas, Inkil, Bauchi, one Clement Anthony, male, 40 years old, of the same address, armed himself with a locally made single-barrel gun and intentionally fired it at Mr Jacob Bature, male, 55 years old, Mai Anguwan Ngas, also of the same address. The victim sustained serious gunshot injuries to his right ribs and slumped unconscious, leaving him in a coma,” Abubakar said.
He added that the victim was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a doctor.
“Following the incident, police operatives swung into action and arrested the suspect. During the arrest, the locally made single-barrel gun and one empty cartridge were recovered from him,” the statement added.
The command said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, noting that the suspect would be charged in court after the probe.
The statement also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, as condemning the killing and assuring residents that those responsible for violent crimes would be brought to justice.
“The Commissioner of Police has condemned the act and assured members of the public that the Command remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice,” Abubakar said.
He also urged residents to avoid unlawful possession of firearms and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
