Bauchi Police Arrest Suspect Over Killing of Community Leader

(Arrested Suspect. Photo Credit: Newtelegraph Nigeria)

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Clement Anthony, in connection with the k!lling of a community leader in Bauchi metropolis, and recovered the firearm allegedly used in the att@ck.

The command said the suspect was arrested shortly after the incident, with officers recovering a locally made single-barrel gun and one expended cartridge from him.

The victim, 55-year-old Jacob Bature, who served as the Mai Anguwa of Unguwar Ngas in the Inkil area of Bauchi Local Government Area, was allegedly sh0t on Sunday evening.

According to the police, the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on July 19, when Anthony allegedly armed himself with the locally made gun and opened fire on the community leader.

Bature was said to have sustained severe gunshot wounds to his right ribs and collapsed at the scene.

A resident reported the incident to the 'A' Division Township Police Station at about 8:30 p.m., prompting officers to respond immediately.

The injured community leader was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, where doctors confirmed him d3ad on arrival.

His remains have since been deposited at the hospital's morgue pending an autopsy.

The police said the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, adding that the suspect is expected to be charged to court once investigations are concluded.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the k!lling and assured residents that the command would ensure justice is served.

He reaffirmed the command's commitment to tackling violent crime and warned members of the public against the illegal possession of firearms, while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.