The Niger State Police Command has apprehended two people suspected of being involved in the murder of Umar Mohammed, a health worker who was fatally stabbed in the head by hoodlums during a wedding ceremony in the state
According to The PUNCH, spokesperson for the State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrests and noted that additional suspects are still at large.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of violence in Niger State, particularly in Minna, where security forces are contending with increasing lawlessness.
Hoodlums and other criminal elements have been terrorizing residents, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities.
The tragic event took place last Friday in the Gbegenu Area of Minna. Mohammed, who was returning from work, decided to attend the wedding.
According to Haruna Aminu, a local resident and eyewitness, Mohammed had barely been at the event for a few minutes when the assailants attacked him with dangerous weapons.
“I saw when Umar came there. He was returning from the private clinic where he worked. I cannot say whether he wanted to stay or continue his movement.
“It didn’t take long after he was there that these hoodlums, numbering over ten began shouting at top of their voices. They were welding dangerous weapons. Many people gave way for them while others were injured.
“Umar was attempting to leave the scene of the wedding when the hoodlum came after him and one of them stabbed him in the head with his dagger. He immediately fell to the ground with blood coming out from his head,” Aminu said.
Mohammed was reportedly rushed to Minna General Hospital, where doctors confirmed his death.
Speaking further on the incident, the police spokespsrson Abiodun said, “On 17/5/2024 at about 2200hrs, it was reported at Kpakungu Div that there was a wedding ceremony at Gbeganu area, while some miscreants from the Area reportedly led by one Ukasha and others armed with dangerous weapons attacked a victim named Umar Mohammed 35yrs.
“The victim was inflicted with serious injury on the head, and he was rushed to Gen Hospital Minna, where he later gave up the ghost and was confirmed dead by the Doctor.
“The police patrol teams were drafted to the scene and two suspects were arrested while others fled from the scene, however, effort is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects as the incident is under investigation.”
