The Delta State Police Command has begun an investigation into the killing of a lecturer at Delta State University, Abraka, Prof Emeka Chukwuma.

Gunmen killed Chukwuma on Friday after returning to his hometown, Umueji in Asaba, for his usual weekend activities.

According to a source, the 56-year-old professor usually spent his weekends at Umueji.

He said, “Prof Emeka Chukwum was assassinated in Asaba on Friday night. He was a lecturer at the Delta State University, Abraka, Anwai campus, but later went to Abraka campus after the conversion of Anwai campus to Dennis Osadebey University.

Prof Chukwuma usually came home every weekend; it unfortunate that he came back yesterday (Friday) for his usual weekend and was assassinated in his place at St. Bridges area of Umueji quarter, in Asaba.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bright Edafe, who confirmed the killing, said the police were investigating the matter, promising that the perpetrators will.

He said, “Yes, it is confirmed, they have reported the matter to the police, and we are looking into the incident”

Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, on Saturday, said he received with shock and sadness the news of the death of a retired Permanent Secretary and former Chairman of the Gombe State Board of Internal Revenue Service, Atiku Mu’azu.

The late Permanent Secretary was reportedly abducted and killed in Kano State, where he had been residing after his retirement from public service.

Yahaya, in a condolence message signed by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, commended the swift response of security agencies, who have since apprehended a suspect in connection with the heinous crime.

He urged them to ensure that thorough investigations are conducted and that justice is served without delay.

“On behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, Governor Inuwa Yahaya extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and associates of the deceased, as well as the people of Kalishen in Shongom Local Government Area, where he hailed from,” the statement partly read.

The governor prayed to Almighty Allah to grant them the strength, adding, “to bear this profound loss, forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and admit him into Aljannat Firdaus.”

According to a viral message which was obtained by our correspondent, the deceased, who resided at Kabuga/Jan Bulo Estate along Gwarzo Road, in Kano State, received a phone call from his mechanic that his stolen car was found, urging the unsuspecting deceased to hasten to meet them to identify and retrieve the car.

Mu’azu allegedly met them at the designated location but never returned.

“Later, the abductors reached his family with a ransom demand of N20 million. but the family could only raise N10 million, which the abductors collected, only to later drop his dead body by the roadside of a different location. A suspect has been arrested, but the mechanic is on the run,” the message concluded.

Kano State Police Command has alerted of a suspected plan by terrorists to target public gatherings in strategic locations across the state.

This was contained in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Kiyawa, on Friday in Kano.

The statement urged residents to exercise caution and avoid crowded areas until further notice to enable security agencies identify and neutralise potential threats.

“The Kano State Police Command in liaison with other security agencies has received intelligence reports of suspected terrorists planning to launch attacks on public gatherings in strategic locations within Kano State.

“In response, we hereby urge residents to exercise caution and avoid crowded places and environments until further notice as a preventive measure to enable security operatives identify and dislodge possible attackers,” the statement read.

According to Kiyawa, the Command has deployed experts from the explosive ordinance disposal and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear units to strategic areas of the state.

“The teams were on high alert and can be contacted through 08169884988 or 07067157218 for reports of suspicious persons or items.

“We encourage residents to report any emergency or suspicious activity to the nearest Police Station or contact the Kano State Police Command through the following emergency numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926,” the statement added.

The police spokesman explained that public safety relies on citizens’ vigilance and cooperation.