Army Troops neutralised bandit as stray bullet mistakenly hits students during gunfight in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

A suspected bandit was neutralised by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke during a gun battle in Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue, on Tuesday, but stray bullets mistakenly hit three students, killing one.

Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred at about 3:20 p.m. while soldiers were returning from a routine patrol in the area.

The source said trouble started when the patrol team sighted some suspected bandits on a motorcycle carrying firearms.

“On sighting the troops, the hoodlums opened fire. The soldiers immediately engaged them in a gun duel. In the exchange of fire, one of the hoodlums was shot dead, while others escaped, abandoning their motorcycle.

“Unfortunately, three students of Government Science Secondary School, Jato-Aka, who were closing from school at the time, were hit by stray bullets. One female student was later confirmed dead by a doctor at NKST Hospital, Jato-Aka, while the other two were admitted and are responding to treatment,” the source explained.

The corpse of the neutralised bandit was also deposited at the NKST Hospital Mortuary.

Military sources confirmed the incident, stressing that the troops only acted in self-defence after being fired upon by the armed hoodlums.

He described the death of the student as an unfortunate accident, assuring that efforts would be made to prevent a repeat of such incidents.

Zagazola reports that news of the incident triggered a violent protest in Jato-Aka town, as angry youths took to the streets and set ablaze the office of the traditional ruler, Mue Ter.

The Police o confirmed the incident, saying personnel and operatives of the Police Mobile Force were deployed to the area to restore calm.

“The situation has been brought under control and normalcy has returned, but monitoring and patrols are ongoing to forestall further breakdown of law and order,”said the sources.

Meanwhile, authorities have appealed to residents of Jato-Aka to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations into the incident continue.

Army Troops neutralised bandit as stray bullet mistakenly hits students during gunfight in Benue

Federal Commissioner PCC visits CP Borno on strategic synergy for better engagement

By: Our Reporter

The Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Borno State, Hon. Yusuf Adamu, has paid a courtesy visit to the Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP N. ABDULMAJID, to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions in addressing public complaints and enhancing community policing.

Hon. Adamu congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and thanked him for the immediate attention given to complaints. He said:

“The synergy between the Commission and the Police is vital. We urge the Command to continue to be proactive in handling cases, especially those related to drugs, which are fueling vices such as TikTok and other cybercrime in schools.”

He also urged the Police Command to work closely with community leaders, parents, schools, and religious institutions to address drug abuse among children and young adults. He further linked the PCC’s forthcoming 50th Anniversary to the importance of psychosocial support and thanked the Police Commissioner for assigning an officer to liaise with the PCC in the enforcement unit.

In his response, the Commissioner of Police commended the PCC for consistently referring prosecutable cases to the Police. He assured:

“The same cooperation I experienced with the Commission in my former command will be replicated in Borno. We shall continue to work hand in hand with stakeholders to ensure that complaints are addressed and cases within the PCC’s powers referred for effective investigation.”

He added that community policing had come to stay and would involve community leaders, market women, imams, and parents. He also called for regulation of social media misuse, while urging the PCC to intensify enlightenment of citizens.

The visit featured the signing of the visitors’ book, presentation of the PCC’s Act and mandate, and a group photograph.

End

Police arrest three suspects over alleged killing in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police Command in Benue says it has arrested three suspects over the alleged killing of a villager in Vandeikya Local Government Area of the state.

Sources said that on Sept. 27 at about 3:30 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer in Ihugh, acting on intelligence, arrested one Ande Wuna and two others, all of Mbangur Village in Vandeikya.

According to sources, the suspects unlawfully detained two villagers, Gedion Bai and Chan Zumbe, over an allegation that they were spiritually responsible for the death of their brother, Tersoo Chichi.

“The suspects tortured Bai to death and buried him in a shallow grave within the compound of the principal suspect, Ande Wuna.

“Although the suspect claimed that the female victim was released, she remains unaccounted for,” he said.

The sources added that the State CID had commenced investigation into the case.

Police arrest three suspects over alleged killing in Benue