Four arrested for allegedly killing Niger village head

The Niger State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the killing of a 53-year-old village head, Bawa Barde.

Arewa PUNCH learnt that the incident happened on 23rd  August, 2026, in Zhilu village, Fuka District in Munya Local Government Area when the assailants traced Barde to his residence at about 3 am and inflicted serious matchet injuries on him and left him for dead.

The Niger State Police Command spokesman Wasiu Abiodun who made this known revealed that when police operatives attached to Gwada Division arrived at Barde’s residence the village head was found with several matchet injuries and lying in the pool of his blood.

According to the cop, the victim was quickly evacuated to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead.

According to Abiodun, diligent investigations, however led to the arrest of the following suspects: Zegi Dogari, 48 years old and of Kabulai; Danjuma Galadima, 50 years, of Zhilu; Bashir Umar, 32 years of age, and of Kabulai; and John Doma, 35 years, also of Zhilu; but all of Munya LGA.

Abiodun confirmed the incident and said the suspects would be arraigned in court at the conclusion of investigations.

The Police PRO stressed, “On 23rd August, 2026, at about 7:am, a distress call was received by Gwada Division from Fuka outstation which indicated that some hoodlums attacked one Bawa Barde about 53 years old, and the village head of Zhilu village via Fuka District, Munya LGA.

“The Police operatives attached to Gwada Division mobilised to the scene and found the victim in his pool of blood with serious machete injuries all over his body within his residence backyard. It was revealed that the victim was attacked in his house at about 3am of the same date by some yet to be identified miscreants.

“The body was evacuated to the nearby medical facility where he was confirmed dead. In the course of investigation, the following suspects were arrested on 25th and 28th August, 2026 in connection with the crime: Zegi Dogari, 48 years of Kabulai;

Danjuma Galadima, 50 years of Zhilu; Bashir Umar, 32 years of Kabulai;

John Doma 35 years of Zhilu, all of Munya LGA.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed that they conspired and attacked the Village head because they were not satisfied with his decision during a mischief incident between Bashir and one other.

 “It was further revealed that because the village head warned Bashir, who is his cousin to pave way for grazing routes from his farmland, hence, they conspired, attacked the victim in his house and macheted him to death.

“Danjuma Galadima was said to be the deceased’s brother, Bashir is his cousin while others are also related to the Village head.

“Other underlining issues established indicated that Zegi Dogari, who is a herbalist was suspected of having an illicit amorous affair with the deceased wife, and when he was confronted he admitted to the allegation, and he was instructed to pay a fine of N700,000.

“The suspects claimed that all these culminated in the attack and killing of the victim,” he disclosed.