Nasarawa to track killers of military officer, others

The leadership of Obi Local Government Area has committed to holding accountable those involved in the recent outbreak of violence in Agyaragu, the main town of Jenkwe Development Area.

Isa Sani, Chairman of Obi Local Government Council, made this declaration during a visit to assess the damage at the two police stations that were set ablaze in the town.

Reports from November 3, 2024, indicate that a dispute between a military officer and police personnel in Agyaragu, triggered by a motorcycle accident, escalated, resulting in the death of the soldier and several civilians. In the ensuing chaos, the police divisional headquarters in Jenkwe, other police facilities, and vehicles were vandalized.

During his visit, accompanied by his deputy and members of the legislative council, Sani condemned the violence and emphasized that such acts undermine Governor Abdullahi Sule’s peace initiatives. He assured that those responsible would face arrest and prosecution under the law. He urged residents, especially the youth, to avoid vigilantism and to report disputes to authorities to maintain peace.

At the palace of Dr. Ayuba Agwadu-Audu, the Zhe Migili, Sani expressed solidarity with the traditional rulers of Jenkwe. He also announced financial assistance for the medical treatment and burial expenses of those injured and deceased. Additionally, he pledged to provide temporary facilities for police operations to help sustain law and order in the area.

Traditional leaders, including Dr. Agwadu-Audu and Zhe Musha, Joshua Kyari, expressed their appreciation for the council’s actions and committed to supporting efforts to identify the culprits behind the incident.

Sani, along with his deputy, also visited the residence of the District Head of Duglu, which had been damaged by youth following a chieftaincy disagreement. He called for restraint and assured that measures would be put in place to prevent future occurrences.

In related efforts, the Security Council of Obi LGA met at Sani’s office to strategize on recovering and securing the damaged properties. After the meeting, Sani stated that security heads briefed the council on the root causes of the violence, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations to bring those responsible to justice.

Sani voiced his concern over the significant setback the incident posed to Obi LGA and Nasarawa State as a whole. He outlined plans to work with local leaders and vigilante groups to protect the affected police stations.

Speaking on behalf of Obi’s traditional leaders, the Osuko of Obi, Alhaji Aliyu Dangiwa Ogiri Orume, praised the meeting’s timeliness and called for patience and respect for authority among the community to sustain peace and harmony.