Police in Bauchi state have arrested a 40-year-old man, Clement Anthony, over the shooting death of Jacob Bature, a 55-year-old community leader. Officers recovered a locally made single-barrel gun and one spent cartridge from the suspect shortly after his arrest.
Bature, who held the title of Mai Anguwa of Unguwar Ngas in Inkil area of Bauchi Local Government Area, was shot on Sunday, July 19, at around 7:00 p.m. According to police, Anthony allegedly used the homemade firearm to attack the community leader.
The victim suffered severe gunshot wounds to his right ribs and fell at the scene. A resident alerted officers at the 'A' Division Township Police Station around 8:30 p.m., and police rushed to the location.
Bature was taken to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi, where medical staff pronounced him dead on arrival. His body has been moved to the hospital's morgue pending autopsy.
The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has taken over the case from regular police. Anthony will face court charges once investigators complete their work.
Bauchi police commissioner Sani-Omolori Aliyu denounced the killing in strong terms. He promised the public that his command would pursue justice aggressively.
Aliyu stressed that the police remain focused on crushing violent crime across the state. He cautioned residents against keeping illegal guns and warned of tough consequences.
The commissioner called on community members to stay alert and report any suspicious behaviour to their local police station. He said cooperation from the public would strengthen efforts to maintain peace and security.
