From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested two men, Abubakar Ibrahim and Isah Ayuba, for their alleged involvement in the abduction and murder of a petty trader, Felicia Namkywa. The suspects, both residents of Shember village in Agwatashi, Obi Local Government Area, were apprehended following investigation by police detectives attached to the Obi Division.
The police in a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO DSP Ramhan Nansel and sent to journalist on Sunday state that the arrest came after a complaint was lodged at the Obi Divisional Police Headquarters, reporting the trader’s disappearance. Days of efforts to trace her whereabouts had proven unsuccessful.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Abubakar Ibrahim, one of the suspects, had owed Namkywa the sum of ₦40,000. He reportedly lured her through a phone call, asking her to come and purchase grains at a Fulani settlement (Ruga) in the area. Unbeknownst to her, the suspects had a sinister plan to rob her of her business capital and take her life.
Police sources confirmed that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to abducting the victim and taking her into a forest where they strangled her to death. They later dumped her remains in a swamp and made away with ₦555,000 found on her.
“The suspects led our operatives to the scene, where the decayed remains of the victim were recovered,” said DSP Ramhan Nansel
Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Shehu Nadada, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to swiftly conclude the investigation and ensure the suspects are charged to court.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim and assure them that justice will be served,” CP Nadada said.
The arrest has sparked reactions in the community, with many calling for justice for the slain trader. Namkywa, known for her diligence as a petty trader, is survived by her family, who have been thrown into mourning by the tragic incident.
The police have urged the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.