The Kogi State Police Command has nabbed a notorious armed robber, Kabir Bala (aka Okwo), who is reputed to be behind several kidnappings and robbery attacks in the state.

Parading the suspect before newsmen on Thursday, the state police commissioner, Akeem Yusuf, said the notorious robber who was granted the prerogative of mercy in 2018 by the state government was unrepentant and has become a terror to the state.

The police chief said: “Kabir Bala remained an unrepentant criminal with lots of atrocities traced to him which includes; dealing in illegal arms, Kidnappings and killings in the State. Several cases had been traced to him and his gang members such as:

“Burning alive of Mrs Salome Abu, a PDP woman Leader in Ofu LGA in her residence on 18^th November 2019 at Ochadamu

“Killing of two (2) Igala youths; UMORU AREH and UNEKWU SULE on 20^th April 2022 at Ejule.

“Killing of Five (5) Fulani Herders namely; Ibrahim, Haruna and Shuaibu along Alloma Road, Ofu LGA in April 2022 and Muhammed and Dauda at Imoko in Ofu LGA on 3^rd March 2023.

“Attack on troops of Nigerian Navy and dispossessed them of four (4) Rifles at Alloma village on 4 March 2022. Though, the Firearms were later returned to the Navy following the high-powered intervention.

“Attack on Elisha Aya, Pastor and founder of Kingdom Faith Assembly Ejule on 18 March 2022 who later paid 1 million naira to Bala as a levy for establishing a church.

“Invasion of Egane Fulani settlement, burning 213, huts, rustled 122 cows on 25 December 2022 and

Assault on the Lord’s Chosen Church, Ejule on 29 January 2023 for disturbing his Hotel with their Service, during which Joy Abuh, a worshipper sustained a gunshot injury on her left hand.

“He was also responsible for seven (7) kidnappings along the Itobe-Anyigba highway from 5^th to 28^th May 2023, among others.”

Following a manhunt, the commissioner said a combined team of security personnel engaged the hoodlums with the said Kabir Bala was neutralized in the process while other members of his gang escaped with varying degrees of injuries.

Items recovered from his premises include: 1 AK 47 rifle with 3 fully loaded magazines 6 locally fabricated weapons and 2 phones and charms.

The commissioner reiterated that the ongoing onslaught against criminal activities in the state will be sustained to ensure the safety of lives and properties. (Daily Sun: Text, Excluding Headline)

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