Three men have been arrested in Katsina state over a confrontation between police and some thugs on New Year’s Day that resulted in the death of a nine-year-old boy.
Another teenager, who was hit by a bullet during the incident, was admitted to the Katsina Federal University Hospital.
The spokesman for the state police command, SP Gambo Isah, confirmed the fact on Sunday.
He identified the suspects as Abdulganiyu Yusuf, 20; Abubakar Abubakar, 22; and Abubakar Hassan, 22.
The police spokesman identified the slain nine-year-old boy as Muhammad Jawwad, and the injured teenager as 16-year-old Muhammed Aliyu.
The spokesman explained that the problems started when police officers on patrol went to a community, Sabuwar Unguwar, after receiving a distress call.
He noted that the policemen confronted some thugs, known as Kauraye.
According to him, one of the thugs tried to disarm a sergeant, which led to the firing of bullets that hit the boy and the teenager.
A police vehicle and two patrol motorcycles were also damaged in the confrontation.
Isah said: “In the course of the investigation, the suspect, 20-year-old Abdulganiyu Yusuf, was tracked down and arrested. He confessed to involving the police officer in a fight that led to the shooting. Two other suspects, DJ Abubakar Abubakar, 22; and Abubakar Hassan, 21, were arrested in connection with the crime. They made helpful statements and are assisting the police in their investigations.
“In the course of scanning the scene, Kauraye’s goons damaged a police patrol vehicle, a Golf and two patrol motorcycles. Four machetes, two knives and a long stick were also recovered at the scene. Two large speakers, an amplifier, a laptop, and a generator were also recovered.”
Isah added that the state Police Commissioner, Shehu Nadada, had taken pity on the parents of those killed and injured.
