The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Clement Anthony, in connection with the killing of a community leader in Bauchi metropolis and recovered the firearm allegedly used in the attack.
The command said the suspect was arrested shortly after the incident, while officers recovered a locally made single-barrel gun and one expended cartridge from him.
The victim, 55-year-old Jacob Bature, who was the Mai Anguwa of Unguwar Ngas in the Inkil area of Bauchi Local Government Area, was allegedly shot on Sunday evening.
According to the police, the incident happened 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 police officers to respond immediately.
The injured community leader was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, where doctors confirmed him dead on arrival.
His remains have been deposited in 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.
The suspect is expected to be charged in court after the investigation is completed.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the killing and assured residents that the command would ensure justice is served.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes and warned members of the public against illegal possession of firearms.
The police commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.