Crime

After 13 years, Bauchi Police Arrest Suspects in 2011 Post-Election Killings

Published by Tope Fakinlede on May 30th, 2024.

After 13 years, Bauchi Police Arrest Suspects in 2011 Post-Election Killings

The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended suspects believed to be responsible for the 2011 post-election violence that resulted in the deaths of six National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and several police officers.

During a press briefing at the police headquarters, Bauchi State Commissioner of Police Auwal Muhammad announced the arrests. He explained that the initial difficulty in capturing the suspects stemmed from the chaotic nature of the mob violence at the time.

The 2011 violence erupted in Giade Local Government Area following the announcement of President Goodluck Jonathan’s election victory, leading to the destruction of a divisional police headquarters and the tragic deaths of six corps members who had sought refuge there.

On Thursday, Commissioner Muhammad detailed the events of April 18, 2011, when a group led by Kabiru Musa, also known as Dawa, attacked the Giade Divisional Police Headquarters. Armed with knives, cutlasses, sticks, and petrol, the assailants injured PC Rifkatu Bappa, who later died from her injuries.

Dawa and his gang also set ablaze a vehicle belonging to Mr. Peter Okoye and attacked his wife, Bridget Peter Okoye, cutting off her fingers and burning the station, which resulted in the deaths of the six corps members.

The slain corps members were identified as Nkwazema Anslem (Imo State), Adewumi Seun Paul (Ekiti State), Okpokiri Obinna (Abia State), Teidi Olawale Tosin (Kogi State), Adewei Elliot (Bayelsa State), and Ukeoma Ikechukwu Chibuzor (Imo State). Despite their attempts to escape, they were pursued and killed by Dawa and his gang.

The suspects also looted traders’ shops, stealing various goods.

After a decade-long manhunt, the suspects have been captured, and an ongoing investigation will lead to their court arraignment, Commissioner Muhammad confirmed.