The Niger State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the murder of the Village Head of Zhilu, Bawa Barde, in Munya Local Government Area.
According to a crime bulletin on Sunday signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the incident occurred on August 23, 2026, at about 3:00 AM.
A distress call was received by the Gwada Division from the Fuka outstation at about 7:00 AM, reporting that hoodlums had attacked the 53-year-old village head at his residence in Zhilu village, Fuka District.
Police operatives from Gwada Division mobilized to the scene and found the victim in a pool of blood with serious machete injuries in his backyard. He was evacuated to a nearby medical facility where he was confirmed dead.
In the course of investigation, four suspects were arrested on August 25 and 28, 2026. They are: Zegi Dogari, 48, of Kabulai; Danjuma Galadima, 50, of Zhilu; Bashir Umar, 32, of Kabulai and John Doma, 35, of Zhilu. All are residents of Munya LGA.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to conspiring to attack the village head.
Police said the attack was linked to dissatisfaction with the victim’s decision in a dispute involving Bashir Umar. The village head had reportedly warned Bashir, his cousin, to create grazing routes through his farmland.
Investigators also established that Zegi Dogari, a herbalist, was suspected of having an affair with the deceased’s wife. He was confronted, admitted the allegation, and was instructed to pay a fine of N700,000. Police said all these issues culminated in the attack.
The Command further disclosed that Danjuma Galadima was the deceased’s brother, while Bashir Umar was his cousin. The other suspects are also said to be related to the village head.
The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Minna for further investigation. They will be arraigned in court for the offence of culpable homicide.
