Peace elusive as banker shot dead in Maiduguri

Maiduguri, capital of Nigeria’s Borno state continues to cement its status as the killing capital of Nigeria, with the gruesome murder of a 35 year old banker.

Last night, yet-to-be identified gunmen shot dead the 35-year-old banker, Malam Yakubu Abdullahi, as he was breaking his Ramadan fast at Gwange, the Layin Hajiya Maituwon Yasin area of Maiduguri.

Relatives of the deceased told newsmen today in Maiduguri that Abdullahi was killed at about 6.30 p.m. while he was eating in company of two of his friends.

“The three of them were breaking their fast in front of Abdullahi’s residence when the gunmen struck.

“Two teenagers appeared on foot with AK-47 rifles and sprayed bullets at them,” Malam Usman Kolo, a relative of the deceased said.

Kolo said that Abdullahi died instantly while one of his friends escaped with injuries.

“One of his friends was hit on the leg by bullet. He was later rushed to the hospital for help while the other escaped unhurt,” he said.

The Spokesman for the Borno State Police Command, Mr Gideon Jibrin, confirmed the incident, saying that the police had commenced investigations into the killing.

Abdullahi’s murder came in the wake of the recovery of arms by the Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order (ORO), after a massive raid of homes in the city.

Today, the JTF displayed a large number of arms and ammunitions seized.

JTF Field Commander, Col. Victor Ebhaleme told newsmen at the ocassion that the recovery followed intelligence report available to the JTF from previous arrest.

“A raid was conducted in Maiduguri metropolis leading to the recovery of large arms.”

Ebhaleme listed the arms as four AK 47 rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun and nine Rapid Pump Guns.

“Others included 1,032 rounds of ammunition, three AK47 magazines and three wooden butts.”

Ebhaleme also announced the arrest of two suspects believed to be behind anonymous text messages
in the metropolis, asking people to pay money or get killed.

“Two criminals involved in sending anonymous threats text messages to individuals requesting money were also arrested.

“Members of the public are reminded to always report such threat to security agencies early enough for prompt action.”