The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the killing of the chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, Alhaji Idris Abubakar Sakaina, by suspected gunmen.
The Tribune gathered that the attack on the Miyetti Allah chieftain occurred around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday in front of his residence in the Oke Ose area of Ilorin, the state capital.
Speaking with the Tribune on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, stated that investigations had commenced.
“We received the information around 11:00 p.m. that at about 10:00 p.m., as he was entering his residence, he was ambushed by unknown gunmen who shot at him. By the time the police arrived at the scene, the deed had already been done.
“Police detectives responded swiftly and recovered five expended 7.62mm shells. His remains have been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) mortuary.
“The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has launched a full investigation. Commissioner of Police Victor Olaiya, psc(+), assures the public that the perpetrators will be brought to justice and urges residents to remain calm while providing any useful information that could aid the investigation.
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“Investigations are ongoing to track down the suspects behind this dastardly act. It is unfortunate, but we are determined to apprehend them,” she said.
The PPRO further stated that no arrests had been made yet and that the motive behind the killing remained unknown. However, she assured the public that the police were actively working to bring those responsible to justice.
Also confirming the incident, the Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Inter-Community Relations (Fulani), Muhammed Abdullahi, stated that the gunmen ambushed and shot the Miyetti Allah leader at close range before fleeing the scene, leaving him in a pool of blood.
An eyewitness, Aina’u Sarki, said:
“I was with him 20 minutes before he was killed. Someone called me on the phone and told me he had been shot dead.”
Abdullahi added:
“Yes, he was killed in front of his residence on Saturday night by gunmen who left him for dead.
“We are preparing for his janaza (funeral prayer) as I speak, but the police were here yesterday and have begun an investigation.”
The deceased, aged 32, was a former Special Assistant to the Moro Local Government chairman and a youth leader of the Fulani community in Kwara State.
In a statement, the state secretary of MACBAN in Kwara, Hon. AbdulAzeez Muhammed, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, revealing that the deceased is survived by two wives and six children.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the tragic passing of our esteemed Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Kwara State Chapter, Alhaji Idris Abubakar Sakaina, who was killed by unknown gunmen yesterday at his Oke Ose residence at about 10:00 p.m. prompt. He is survived by two wives and six children.
“May Allah (SWT) grant him mercy, forgive his shortcomings, and admit him into Aljannah Firdausi.
“His janaza (funeral prayer) will take place today (Sunday) at 10:00 a.m. in Zango, Ilorin, Kwara State.
“May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdausi and give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
The police have assured that efforts are underway to track down the assailants and ensure justice is served.
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