The Police Command in Kaduna State has nabbed 12 suspects over alleged attack of worshipers during Tahajjud prayers (night prayers).

The Command’s Spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna.

Hassan said, “On March 21, at about 2:00a.m., the police received a distress call from a concerned citizen.

“The citizen reported that a large group of armed hoodlums had mobilised from Malalin Gabas, Tudun Wada, Rafin Guza, and Unguwar Baduko areas to attack worshipers performing Tahajjud prayers at Layin Bilya, Makwa Road, Rigasain Kaduna.

“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a team of officers, accompanied by the Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to the scene in a bid to apprehend the suspects,” the command’s spokesman said.

He, however, said that before the police team’s arrival, the hoodlums had already stabbed one Usman Mohammad, 23, with a sharp knife.

Hassan said that Mohammad was immediately rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention, but due to severity of his injuries later succumbed and was confirmed dead by a doctor.

“Subsequently, the police swiftly apprehended 12 suspects, who confessed to have partaken in the attack, and recovered several weapons from them,” he said.

Hassan said further that investigation was ongoing to uncover the full details of the incident and “ensure justice is served.”

According to him, following the incident, the Command has significantly increased security deployments to strategic areas in the state, particularly around mosques, where such prayers are conducted.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements and activities promptly to the police to aid effective crime prevention.

“The command is issuing a stern warning to all miscreants to desist from engaging in these criminal activities as they will face the full weight of the law, if caught,” Hassan said. (Text, excluding headline: NAN

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd) has advised monarchs in the state to avoid playing partisan politics, concentrate on ensuring that their domains were secure and safe for all citizens.

Speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers at the Government House, in Port Harcourt, the state capital, the Administrator expressed his deep love for the Niger Delta region.

Ibas, a former Chief of the Naval Staff, also noted Rivers State’s significance in the nation’s development.

He lamented the persistent instability in the state, stating that it pained him to witness the unrest. “As a former naval chief, my duty is to protect lives, and I remain committed to restoring peace in Rivers State,” Ibas said. He assured that his administration would work tirelessly to return the state to a place of pride and stability.

The Administrator underscored his primary mandate to restoring peace, stressing the need to curb the interest of a few who prioritize personal gains over the state’s collective well-being. He stressed that Rivers State is too vital to be left in turmoil, adding: “A society without order is a society without progress.”

He advised against any form of political partisanship, whether in speech, action, or body language. He reminded the traditional rulers of their role in community policing, urging them to maintain open communication channels with their subjects. “Security is the responsibility of all, not just the government,” he said, adding that his administration would not tolerate excuses for disorder.

While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he reaffirmed his administration’s openness to suggestions and collaboration.

In his response, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Chike Worlu-Wodo, assured the administrator of their support. He described the appointment as a positive decision for the state, affirming that traditional rulers are committed to maintaining peace in their respective domains.

“As traditional rulers, our primary duty is to ensure peace in our kingdoms, clans, and communities,” he said. He urged the administrator to see himself as a peacemaker, likening his role to that of a mediator resolving conflicts between two people.

The monarch wished the administrator success in his mission, stressing that Rivers State desperately needs peace. “We are not in doubt of your ability, which was why you were appointed,” he stated.

An alarm has been raised by a resident of Ukhun community, Ekpoma in Esan Local Government of Edo State is reportedly under attack by herdsmen.

Apparently, an indigene who gave a narrative via a video clip on his FB page claimed that the attack started at about 10.30am on Saturday.

He also alleged an Ebira was killed in the farm.

Watch clip below: