At least six suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of a man accused of stealing tubers of yam at Gosa Market , along...
At least six suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of a man accused of stealing tubers of yam at Gosa Market, along Airport Road in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command confirmed on Friday.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, FCT Commissioner of Police, Adewale Ajao, described the incident as a clear case of murder, noting that the crisis began when an individual “took the law into his own hands” by lynching the alleged thief.
“A young man was accused of stealing some tubers of yam at the market. And lo and behold, an individual decided to take the law into his hands. That’s a complete human being,” Ajao stated.
“This is what led to the crisis. Six suspects are currently in custody, and we are treating the case as murder.”
The killing triggered unrest in the popular market, causing panic among traders and residents, with many fleeing the area. Gosa Market is known as one of Abuja’s most affordable spots for foodstuff.
Ajao said the police responded swiftly, deploying personnel to the scene to restore order and prevent the situation from escalating.
“Immediately after the incident, we engaged the community leader. The traditional ruler was also with us. We discussed and they saw the need to embrace peace,” he said.
He confirmed that Gosa Market had resumed full operations as of Thursday, under tight police surveillance.
“The market is on today, and life is bubbling there. Our policemen are on ground, policing the marketing operation.”
Crackdown on Fake Identities and Tinted Vehicles
CP Ajao also raised concerns over the illegal use of diplomatic and official number plates, as well as unauthorised tinted glass, which he described as tactics often linked to criminal activity.
“We are coming after you,” he warned. “Because the only reason for that is to engage in crime and criminality. When you conceal every identity, it doesn’t make any sense. We are still arresting and will continue to arrest these people.”
Command’s Recent Achievements
Highlighting the FCT Command’s performance in the last two months, Ajao announced that 49 criminal cases had been recorded, with 82 suspects arrested.
He said the police successfully foiled multiple kidnapping and robbery attempts, while also recording gains in fighting theft, fraud, child trafficking, rape, and other violent crimes.
Weapons, vehicles, cash, communication devices, and other criminal tools were reportedly recovered. Ajao added that abducted children were rescued, abandoned babies were handed over to the Social Welfare Centre, and victims of crime were given necessary support.
Looking forward, Ajao assured residents that the command would continue to intensify efforts through community engagement, intelligence-driven operations, and public sensitisation.
“We are committed to sustaining peace and security in the FCT through proactive and coordinated policing efforts,” he concluded.
No comments