By Aliyu Usman | Birnin Kebbi
A community security outfit in Rafin Atiku, under Gwandu Emirate in Kebbi State, has apprehended a man suspected of murdering his friend in cold blood during the early hours of Sunday.
The suspect, identified as Bello Amkwa, was reportedly arrested around 3:00 a.m. near Olumbo Plaza in Birnin Kebbi with blood-stained knives in his possession.
According to Malam Umar Shehu Guri, head of the vigilante team that apprehended the suspect, Amkwa initially claimed that the bloodstains came from butchering a cow. However, upon further investigation by police officers, he confessed to killing his friend following a heated argument earlier in the day.
Community Lauds Traditional Leaders for Vigilante Support
Alhaji Hamza Ahmed BK, the village head of Rafin Atiku ta Gabas, commended the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Iliyasu Bashar, and the District Head of Nassarawa for their support in establishing local security patrol teams.
“We commend our traditional rulers for approving and encouraging the formation of community patrol groups to protect innocent and vulnerable residents of Rafin Atiku and Kebbi State at large,” he said.
Ahmed emphasized that the role of traditional institutions in curbing crime cannot be overstated and urged for closer synergy between the police and local security groups, which, according to him, is already producing encouraging results.
He called on governments at all levels to integrate traditional rulers into security strategies to effectively combat the growing challenges of insecurity in Nigeria.
Police Confirm Incident
The Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the incident. He disclosed that the suspect is currently in police custody and has been linked to the murder of Auwal Umaru, a native of Katami Village in Silami Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Investigation into the case is ongoing, and the suspect is expected to face prosecution upon conclusion.