Five Arrested Over K!lling of 2 Kano Indigenes in Benue
At least five persons have been arrested in connection with the m%rder of two indigenes of Kano State in Makurdi, Benue.
The suspects were arrested for the k!lling of Jamilu Ahmad and Barhama Suleiman.
They were reportedly attacked and k!lled around midnight on Monday at Agan settlement, near the tollgate entrance to Makurdi.
The duo were said to be transiting through the area when they fell victim to the brutal assault.
The Islamic funeral prayer (Janazah) was held for the deceased on Tuesday at the National Mosque in Abuja and was attended by high-profile personalities, including the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The victims were buried at the Gudu Cemetery, with both Ribadu and Yusuf personally escorting their remains to the cemetery.
Speaking to journalists after the burial, Governor Yusuf described the killings as “unfortunate, cruel, and unjustifiable,” calling on the Benue State Government and security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
“This is a tragic loss for Kano and the nation. The Benue State Government must act quickly to arrest and punish those behind this despicable act,” Yusuf said.
The governor also used the solemn moment to remind the Edo State Government of the need to expedite compensation for families of victims k!lled in the recent Uromi attack, calling for justice, fairness, and accountability in addressing inter-communal violence.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State condemned the k!llings as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
In a statement by his media aide, Tersoo Kula, the governor confirmed that five suspects had already been arrested by the Benue State Police Command in connection with the incident.
“Benue people are known for their hospitality and peaceful disposition. We cannot allow some criminal elements to tarnish our image. These criminals must be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law,” Alia said.
He extended condolences to Governor Yusuf and the government of Kano State, assuring that justice would be served.
Alia revealed that he had spoken personally with Yusuf over the tragedy and appealed for calm from residents of both states.
Muhammad Ibrahim Khalil, a cousin to the deceased, described the loss as a tragic one that will live in the minds of loved ones forever.
“It’s sad that this is happening in a country where there is the existence of law enforcement agents. However, we just pray that Allah grants their souls eternal rest,” he said.
The Kano State Government has called for restraint, urging residents not to retaliate and to allow justice to take its course.
In a statement, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting the lives and rights of all Kano indigenes-both at home and across the country.
“Every Nigerian has the right to live, move, and work anywhere in this country without fear. We must not allow these acts of hatred and violence to define who we are,” Yusuf said.
