Robbery attack: Emir of Minna calls for peace
The Emir of Minna, Alhaji Dr. Umar Faruk Bahago has called on the residents to remain calm over the Tuesday’s suspected robbery attack on his palace.
It was gathered some yet-to-be-identified gunmen had raided the monarch’s palace on Tuesday evening, shooting into the air, after which they reportedly carted away unspecified amount of money meant for the June salaries of emirate staff and the up keeps of the emirate.
Reports revealed that at least two palace guards were shot by the gunmen and were receiving treatment at the Minna General Hospital.
While reacting to development, the traditional ruler through the Ajiyan Minna, Alhaji Ilyasu Abubakar Dhacko called his subjects to go about their lawful businesses without any obstruction noting that the security Agencies in the state have already launched investigation into the incident.
The monarch said, ” we should all await the outcome of the investigation by the security operatives, they have been here I know they will get to the roots of the matter”.
While condoling the two palace guards injured by the suspected robbers and calling for prayer for their quick recovery, the Emir said payment of the salaries of the emirate staff will not be a problem” adding, that we will find a way out very soon.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, in his reaction to the incident, however, lamented that it was highly unfortunate to have this kind of situation not just in the state capital but also at the Emir’s Palace.
The Governor said, “My administration will not condone this act. I charge the security agencies to investigate and fish out the criminals with a view to prosecuting them”, the governor stated this in a statement issued and made available to the newsmen on his behalf by the Chief Press Secretary( CPS) Malam Bologi Ibrahim.
Governor Bago stressed further that his goverment “will not fold its hands and allow criminals to inflict pains and sorrow on innocent residents of the state” after which he enjoined the people to be security conscious.
On the details of how the incident happened, the State Police Command said in a statement by its Spokesperson, DSP Wasiu Abiodun that “a gang of about five armed robbers reportedly trailed Minna Palace Cashier with a Toyota camry vehicle from a commercial bank( names withheld) where the cashier went to withdraw some amount of money.
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“He ( Cashier) was blocked at the palace gate, and the robbers fired some gunshots in the air, while they forcefully took the money from him and escaped from the scene.
“The cashier is undergoing interrogation at the Police Area Command office, Minna with a view to ascertaining the details of the incident, as investigation is ongoing to get to the roots of the matter” DSP Abiodun said without mentioning those injured.
Meanwhile the police stated that N3.3million naira was carted away by the gunmen promising to fish out the perpetrators.
