Police arrest 40-year-old suspect over killing of Bauchi community leader

Arrest and Circumstances of the Killing

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Clement Anthony, for allegedly shooting dead the Mai Anguwa of Unguwar Ngas, 55-year-old Jacob Bature, in the Inkil area of Bauchi metropolis. Anthony was arrested shortly after the incident and is currently being investigated for alleged culpable homicide and unlawful possession of a firearm.

The incident occurred at about 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, when the suspect allegedly armed himself with a locally made, single-barrel gun and opened fire on Bature at Unguwar Ngas, Bauchi Local Government Area. The community leader reportedly sustained serious gunshot injuries to his right ribs and collapsed at the scene.

Medical Intervention and Recovery of Evidence

A 47-year-old resident subsequently reported the incident at about 8:30 p.m. at the 'A' Division Township Police Station, prompting an immediate response by police operatives. Bature was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, where he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor on arrival.

The remains of the community leader have since been deposited at the hospital morgue pending an autopsy. Following the report, police operatives commenced a manhunt for the suspect and subsequently arrested Anthony. A locally made, single-barrel gun and one expended cartridge were recovered from him, according to police records.

Police Investigation and Public Safety Warning

The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for a discreet investigation. The command stated that the suspect would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation to face charges related to the killing.

The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the killing and assured residents that the command would pursue the case to its logical conclusion. CP Aliyu also warned against the unlawful possession of firearms and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.