Bauchi: Why We Arrested Traditional Ruler, Others – Police
BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – The Police command in Bauchi State has said that the arrest of a traditional ruler, the Gum Zaar-select of Sayawa community, Air Commodore Ishaku Komo (rtd), was over alleged criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, disrupting public peace, mischief by fire, causing grievous hurt and culpable homicide
The police which stated this while denying media reports therefore warned journalists, social media platforms against inciting misinformation just as it described as baseless, clueless and figment of imagination, media reports that the arrest of a traditional ruler in the state was religiously and politically motivated.
It however confirmed that the arrest of the Gum Zaar-select of Sayawa community in Bauchi state, 71 years old, Air Commodore Ishaku Komo (rtd) and six others namely; Matthew Ishaya – 56 years; 65 years Yakubu Bala; Appolos Hassan – 72 years; Nathaniel Joshua- 40 years; Abenagu Zakka aged 30yrs and James Dajum aged 65 years.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Ahmed Wakili, who stated these, also denied a media report that the arrest of the traditional ruler has ethno-religious and political undertone.
Wakili, in a press statement explained that it was not true that security personnel in the state are tools in the hands of prominent Bauchi and Northern Governors who are Muslims neither have the police stepped up harassment of Christians in the State after the February 25 presidential election, especially those in communities that voted massively for the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi.
According to the police spokesman; “The Command wishes to categorically state that, the narrative being peddled around, is completely not the true account of what transpired, neither is it the reality on ground as being portrayed by the bogus section of the media.
“It could be recalled earlier that, on 15/04/2023 at about 1900hrs, the Command received a distress call over an ongoing skirmish in Bogoro L.G.A of the State.
“Following the narratives, it has become imperative to update members of the public on the command’s investigative findings and position regarding the true rendition of the case.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the communal clash in Sang village of Bogoro LGA emanated from the coronation of a Hamlet Head of Sang, who, the Air Commodore (rtd), acting as Gumzaar of Sayawa Community, one Air Commodore Ishaku Komo rtd, selected one Mr. Matthew Ishaya as the Hamlet Head of Sang village Bogoro LGA of Bauchi State.
“The irate youths from different factions, protested against the coronation of the new Sayawa Hamlet Chief. This resulted in igniting the unhealthy and troublesome situation.
“Consequently, it resulted in the attack of innocent residents, as the irate youths set 65 houses, 3 motorcycles and other properties worth millions of Naira ablaze.
“And also, one Apollos Danlami, 70 years old was killed in the incident while Nahemiya Bature, 65 years and six others were grievously injured in the fracas,” he said.
Wakili further said that prompt response and action by the Command yielded the immediate arrest of seven suspects in connection to the turmoil including the retired Air Commodore (rtd).
He said that exhibits recovered from the suspects included, one locally made revolver pistol and one cartridge as well as a knife, adding that discreet investigations by the Command has uncovered that there is a prima-facie case for the offences of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance of the public peace, mischief by fire, causing grievous hurt and culpable homicide against the arrested persons.
