Fulani Herdsmen Robbing On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Arrested By Soldiers

AITonline reports that two Fulani herdsmen, Mohammed Umar and Manu Hassan have been detained by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly robbing motorists on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Umar and Hassan, who were herdsmen from the Ngaski area of Kebbi State, were arrested by soldiers attached to the OP MESA while they were robbing some people. They were later handed over to the state Special Anti-Robbery Squad. Three locally-made rifles and some cartridges were recovered from them.

Umar said he came to Kara Market on the expressway to make a living by selling cows before he joined the gang.

“I am married with two children, and my family is based in Kebbi. I was formerly selling cows at the Kara Market before I was introduced to the gang. I rob on the highway and also steal cows, although I don’t enjoy it. I have stolen about 12 cows this year. I sold them to one Alhaji Dan Manu in Abbatoir, Agege. I sold six to him for N500,000. I don’t have problem taking the cows away. I know their language.”

Hassan who is just twenty- two years said the gang had just started their operation when the OP MESA stormed the place.

“It was Mohammed (Umar) who said they had a work to do that night and I should come with them. I thought he was talking about construction labour. But when I knew we were going to rob on the expressway, I told them I could not use a gun. They threatened to kill me, and then handed me one of their guns.
“We had hardly started the operation when the soldiers arrived at the scene. Others ran away, but I was caught. We were seven in number. The soldiers might have killed me, but I surrendered to them, explaining that it was my first time.”

DSP Kenneth Nwosu, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrest of the herdsmen. “They are the ones terrorising the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, especially around the Kara Market. They have confessed to several other robberies. Three locally-made guns and knives were recovered from them.”