In connection with the tragic killing of Islamic scholar Sheikh Abubakar Hassan Mada in Zamfara State, At least 10 individuals suspected of belonging to a vigilante group have been apprehended.
Sheikh Mada was unlawfully murdered by a group believed to be vigilantes in Mada town, Gusau local government area of the state on Tuesday.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the spokesperson of the Zamfara State governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the arrested suspects were vigilantes and not affiliated with the state’s Community Protection Guards (CPG).
The statement emphasized that these vigilantes did not have authorization from the state government to conduct any security operations, as they were not part of the officially recognized Community Protection Guards.
“The Zamfara State Government has received with great sorrow the news of the extrajudicial killing of Sheikh Abubakar Hassan Mada in Mada town. This incident is truly regrettable and could have been prevented.
“Security forces have successfully apprehended all suspected vigilantes responsible for this reprehensible act. The Zamfara State Government takes this matter seriously and is determined to ensure that all perpetrators of this unfortunate murder are brought to justice. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served without compromise.
“We wish to clarify that the suspected vigilantes involved in the extrajudicial killing have no affiliation with the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards.
“The Community Protection Guards, a local community-based security outfit, was established to safeguard communities and not to terrorize the people of the state.
“This clarification aims to dispel any confusion regarding the identity of the arrested individuals responsible for the extrajudicial killing. We remain unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of our citizens.
“We would like to inform the public that the Zamfara Community Protection Guards operate under specific guidelines that prohibit them from engaging in operations without the guidance of relevant security agencies.
“Based on preliminary investigations conducted by the police, it has been revealed that one of the arrested vigilantes was a former student of the slain Sheikh. This information provides context to the situation and will aid authorities in taking appropriate action.
“The Zamfara State Government will provide updates on the outcome of the police investigation to the public once it is completed.
“During this challenging time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Sheikh Abubakar Hassan Mada and the entire community. May his soul rest in peace,” Idris concluded.
