By Adesakin Adefemi
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of a 35-year-old man, Saleh Ibrahim, and the subsequent unrest in Zaki Local Government Area of the state.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on March 15, 2026, when Ibrahim, a resident of Sansan Village in Zaki LGA, was attacked and killed with a sharp object, suspected to be a cutlass, by unidentified assailants while riding his motorcycle, which was also stolen.
Confirming the arrests in a statement made available to our correspondent on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Nafi’u Habib, said investigations led to the apprehension of three suspects: Muhammad Jauro Haladu Yako, 28; Muhammad Wito, 27; and Ibrahim Muhammad, 19, all from Alagarno Village in Zaki LGA.
The suspects are being investigated for criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and disturbance of public peace in Zaki LGA. Habib said that upon receiving a report of the incident, officers led by the Divisional Police Officer of Zaki Division rushed to the scene and evacuated the victim to the General Hospital, Katagum, where he was confirmed dead.
The body was later released to his family for burial. The killing triggered protests by some members of the victim’s community, who allegedly set houses ablaze in Jama’aren Fulani Village, during which a 35-year-old man, Yahaya Haruna, sustained injuries from a bow and arrow attack.
Joint security forces responded to the scene, and one police officer and one soldier were injured and treated. The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has warned residents against taking the law into their own hands and urged them to allow due process to prevail.
The command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and urged residents to remain calm and provide useful information to aid ongoing investigations.
Patrols and surveillance will be intensified in the affected area and across the state to prevent a recurrence. The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
The police are appealing to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, as the command continues to work towards maintaining peace and order in the state.
