The Niger State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to maintain law and order in the state, with the arrest of 11 hoodlums in connection with the burning of part of the Tafa Local Government Area (LGA) secretariat during the ongoing nationwide protest.
According to a statement released by the command's spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, on Thursday, the hoodlums, who were from Tafa area of Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State and Hayin-Diko Gurara LGA of Niger State, mobilized and stormed the Tafa LGA secretariat, located along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, Sabon-Wuse, Niger State, at around 9:30 am.
The hoodlums, who were reportedly armed with dangerous weapons, set two cars ablaze and vandalized two others. They also stole valuables from the secretariat, causing significant damage to the property.
The police were quickly alerted and responded promptly, arresting 11 suspects in connection with the incident. The suspects are currently being detained at the police station, where they are being interrogated.
The Niger State Police Command has condemned the attack, describing it as "senseless and destructive". The command has also promised to prosecute the suspects and ensure that they face the full wrath of the law.
"We will not tolerate any form of violence or destruction of property in Niger State," said SP Abiodun. "We will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice."
The incident is part of the ongoing nationwide protest against the recent fine imposed on WhatsApp by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The protest has been marked by violence and destruction of properties in several parts of the country.
The Niger State Government has also condemned the attack, describing it as "unacceptable". The government has promised to work with the police to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
"We will not allow hoodlums to destroy our properties and disrupt our peace," said the state's Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris. "We will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice."
The burning of the Tafa LGA secretariat is a condemnable act that must be addressed. The arrest of 11 suspects is a step in the right direction, and they must be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others. The government must also take steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
In conclusion, the incident at Tafa LGA secretariat is a sad reminder of the destructive nature of violence and the need for peaceful coexistence. We must all work together to build a peaceful and stable Nigeria.