By Ndahi Marama
MAIDUGURI—AS a result of mysterious killings of Policemen and other citizens in Borno State, the state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdul, has announced the decision of the state government to restrict the movement of motorcycles, popularly called Okada, from 6p.m. to 7a.m.

He said: “With the prevailing security situation, where Police officers and some members of the public were shot and killed by unknown person using motorcycles, the state government deemed it fit to further review the restriction of movement from 6p.m. to 7a.m. with effect from September 5.”

3 arrested

He said the command and other security agencies cannot fold their arms and see these ruthless miscreants commit heinous acts and go free, adding that the Police is on top of the situation and have already arrested three suspects who are helping them in their investigations.

The CP warned motorcycle riders to comply with the order, adding that those who violate the law will be seriously dealt with, as a combined team of military and Policemen will be on patrol to enforce the law.

It could be recalled that barely five days after the ward head of Bulabilin Alajiri, Bulama Hassan was shot dead by unknown gunmen, the village head of Kalari, Limanti ward, Zanna Mohammed Kagu was shot and wounded while his friend Alhaji Modu was also shot dead.

Survivor’s story

Speaking to our correspondent, an eyewitness, Alhaji Ali Makinta, who survived an attack, said they were performing ablution for Isha prayer when an armed attacker alighted from a motorcycle, walked towards them and opened fire. He was said to have killed one Alhaji Modu, while the village head and others sustained injuries from the gunshots.

He said: “It is by the grace of God that I am alive today without wounds from the incident, but saddened by these turn of event that is claiming the lives of innocent souls.”

A brother to the village head, Yussein Ali said: “I was in the house when I heard a gunshot. I rushed out and I saw my brother with two of his friends in pools of blood. I took them to the hospital, but one had died instantly.”

Commisioner’s revelations

Confirming the killing of the village head, the Police Commissioner said the suspected killer of one of the four persons had been identified and he will soon be arrested, adding that the suspect was once involved in the Boko Haram crisis. He said the suspect was arrested and charged to court, but was later released on bail.

He said both the village head and his friend are now receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH, and that the victims have given information currently assisting the Police in its investigations.

Alhaji Abdu also said the Police had received the report of a similar attack in Bama where a retired ASP, Zanna Kyari, was shot dead by unknown gunmen on motorcycle while coming back from mosque after observing night prayers around 10p.m.

He added that two persons were also shot at Kabar Maila and are receiving treatment at the UMTH.