The Nigeria Police Force in Niger State has arrested four suspects in connection with the alleged killing of a village head in Munya Local Government Area.
The suspects were arrested following investigations into the death of Bawa Barde, a 53-year-old traditional leader from Zhilu community in Fuka District.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Niger State, Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Minna on Sunday.
Village Head Found Dead After Night Attack
Abiodun said officers from Gwada Division received an emergency report from the Fuka outstation at about 7 a.m. on August 23 regarding an attack on the village head.
According to him, police personnel immediately moved to the location and found Barde lying behind his residence in a pool of blood.
The spokesperson said the victim suffered severe machete injuries across his body.
He explained that preliminary findings indicated that unknown attackers entered the victim’s residence at about 3 a.m. and carried out the assault.
Barde was later taken to a nearby medical facility, where he was confirmed dead.
Four Suspects Arrested
The police spokesperson said further investigation led to the arrest of four suspects on August 25 and August 28.
The suspects were identified as:
- Zegi Dogari, 48
- Danjuma Galadima, 50
- Bashir Umar, 32
- John Doma, 35
All four suspects are residents of Munya Local Government Area.
Abiodun said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly confessed to involvement in a plan to attack the traditional ruler.
Dispute Allegedly Linked to Attack
According to the police, the suspects allegedly told investigators that their action was connected to dissatisfaction with a decision made by the village head involving a previous dispute.
The police said Barde had earlier warned Umar, identified as his cousin, to respect grazing routes and avoid allowing livestock movement through his farmland.
Investigators alleged that the suspects later conspired to attack Barde at his residence, where he was fatally injured.
The police spokesperson added that Galadima was the deceased’s brother, while Umar was his cousin. Other suspects were also said to have family connections with the victim.
Police Reveal Other Alleged Issues Under Investigation
Abiodun said investigators also uncovered other issues believed to have contributed to tensions surrounding the incident.
He mentioned an alleged relationship involving Dogari, a herbalist, and the deceased’s wife.
According to the police, Dogari was confronted over the allegation, which he reportedly admitted.
The spokesperson said Dogari was subsequently asked to pay a N700,000 fine, adding that investigators believe the matter may have contributed to the chain of events leading to the killing.
Suspects Face Further Investigation
The police said the suspects have been transferred to the Niger State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna for further investigation.
Abiodun added that the suspects would be charged before a court upon completion of investigations.
The police assured residents that efforts were ongoing to ensure justice and address security concerns in the affected community.
