Thirteen years after the tragic post-election violence in Giade Local Government Area (LGA) of Bauchi State, the State Police Command has arrested Kabiru Musa, also known as Dawa, the alleged mastermind behind the brutal murders of six corps members and a policewoman.
On April 18, 2011, between 12:30 and 1:00 PM, a group of youths led by Kabiru Musa stormed the Giade Divisional Police Headquarters following the announcement of the 2011 Presidential Election results.
Armed with dangerous weapons such as a knife known as Barandami, cutlasses, sticks, and petrol, they attacked Woman Police Constable (W/PC) Rifkatu Bappa, who was on duty at the time.
W/PC Rifkatu Bappa sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Azare, where she was declared dead by medical staff.
During the same incident, Kabiru Musa and his gang set ablaze a Toyota Starlet belonging to Mr. Peter Okoye, which was being kept at the station for safekeeping.
In a press briefing at the Police Headquarters on Thursday, Commissioner of Police Auwal Musa Mohammed detailed the events.
He explained that Kabiru Musa not only led the attack on the policewoman but also violently assaulted Bridget Peter Okoye, the wife of Mr. Peter Okoye, cutting off her fingers and setting fire to their vehicle.
The mob, under Musa’s leadership, burned down the police station, leading to the deaths of six corps members who had sought refuge there.
During questioning, Kabiru Musa denied his involvement in the violent acts, claiming that although he was in Giade on that day, he did not go near the crime scene. He described himself as a casual worker who survives by doing various menial jobs.
However, a member of the Giade Community, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed Musa’s role as the ringleader of the mob that committed the gruesome murders and arson.
The community member revealed that Musa’s notoriety and dangerous nature had made it difficult for anyone to confront him, which contributed to the delay in his arrest.
This significant development brings a measure of justice to the families of the victims, as the police continue their efforts to hold those responsible for the 2011 violence accountable.
