Police arrest student in Taraba, recover gun

The police have arrested an 18-year-old student after finding a mini revolver on him at an Islamic school in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State.

Victor Mshelizah, the police spokesperson, said in a statement on Thursday that Usman Usman was arrested following a report received on July 14 from Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau Institute for Koranic Memorisation. This report was about a disagreement between two students.

Mr Mshelizah mentioned that initial investigations showed that Master Usman, who is from Sansani in Gassol Local Government Area, was allegedly found with the gun during the fight.

"Preliminary investigation revealed that during the altercation, the suspect was found in possession of a mini revolver pistol without ammunition, allegedly with the intention of using it to intimidate the other student involved in the dispute," he said.

Officers from the GRA Police Division quickly arrested the suspect and took the firearm.

The police spokesperson said the suspect told detectives that he got the revolver from another student at the school, who is now on the run.

"The suspect disclosed during interrogation that he obtained the firearm from one Akilu Alhassan, another student of the institution, who is presently on the run. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend him and other suspected cult members connected to the incident," Mr Mshelizah added.

The police commissioner in Taraba State, Morkwap Dongshal, ordered that the case be moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for more investigation.

"The Commissioner of Police has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm and the possible involvement of other persons," the statement noted.

The police commissioner assured that the command is focused on fighting cultism, illegal gun possession, and violent crimes.

"The command remains committed to combating cultism, illegal possession of firearms and all forms of violent crime. We urge parents, guardians, school authorities and community leaders to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities capable of threatening public safety," the statement concluded.

The police command also promised residents that they will keep working to protect lives and property and maintain peace and security across Taraba State.