Bauchi police arrest suspect over alleged killing of singer John Zuya

By: Zagazola Makama

Police operatives in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State have arrested a suspect in connection with the death of popular Sayawa artist, John Zuya, whose songs had earned him fans across the country, particularly among his tribesmen.

Zuya had recently traveled to Lagos, where he performed to a large crowd and reportedly earned a significant sum of money.

However, shortly after returning from the trip, he died under mysterious circumstances, sparking shock across his community.

A few days later, Yakubu Alhamdu, Deputy Chairman of Zayoda, Tafawa Balewa branch, claimed in a video shared on his Facebook platform that Zuya was allegedly killed by his friend, Emmanuel Wakili, also a Sayawa artist.

In the video, Alhamdu stated that Wakili confessed to killing Zuya out of jealousy, explaining that he captured Zuya’s soul (“Kurwa”) in a small bag and struck his head until he died. Alhamdu noted that this accounted for the blood seen on Zuya’s forehead after his death.

The incident has thrown the community into mourning, with many residents seeking justice.

Following the report, police traced and arrested Wakili, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Zuya’s death.

Bauchi police arrest suspect over alleged killing of singer John Zuya

Troops rescue two kidnapped victims, neutralise bandits in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued two kidnapped victims and neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a clearance operation in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed a reported abduction of two persons along the Wanka–Dengi road in Kanam LGA.

According to the source, troops trailed the relative of one of the victims, who had been instructed by the kidnappers to drop a ransom at Madam Forest, where the operation took place.

“During the rescue operation, troops made contact with the kidnappers, resulting in the neutralisation of two armed bandits, while others fled into the forest,” the source said.

Troops rescue two kidnapped victims, neutralise bandits in Plateau

Troops neutralise armed militia leader Babawo Badoo in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops have neutralised a notorious armed militia leader identified as Idris Idris, popularly known as Babawo Badoo, during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the development followed the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of arms and ammunition at the outskirts of Lugere Village on Oct. 20.

The source said preliminary interrogation revealed that Idris had participated in several criminal attacks within Barkin Ladi and its neighbouring communities.

He was said to have confessed to leading a network of armed collaborators and volunteered to guide troops to their hideout at Kassa Village in Barkin Ladi.

However, while leading the troops to the location at about 10:20 p.m. on Tuesday, the suspect allegedly made a desperate attempt to snatch a soldier’s rifle in an effort to escape.

The troops responded swiftly, neutralising him on the spot.

The source added that a follow-up operation was ongoing in the general area to apprehend his collaborators and recover additional weapons linked to the group.

Security officials have maintained increased presence in Barkin Ladi to prevent reprisal attacks and ensure the continued safety of residents.

Troops neutralise armed militia leader Babawo Badoo in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State