Immigration official arrested for ‘breaking into place of worship’

The Police in Jalingo, Taraba state, on Sunday confirmed the arrest of an armed Immigration official by a local vigilance group.

David Misal, spokesman of the police command, said the suspect, Mahmood Idris, broke into a place of worship and destroyed some property.

Misal explained that Idris, who sustained injuries during the incident, was receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo.

According to him, police preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect signed and collected the rifle on Saturday while on duty, only for him to engage in the dastardly act.

Misal added that Idris was suffering from mental illness, “but that is subject to medical examination”.

He appealed to members of the public to disregard the rumour making the rounds that a cleric was hurt in the attack, saying apart from the attacker, nobody was injured.

Ahmed Mohammed, director of security of the place of worship, had earlier told reporters in Jalingo that the suspect was nabbed at 2am on Sunday after two members of his syndicate had fled.

He said the fearless guard on duty with the help of some local vigilance group members overpowered the attacker before he could cook off the AK47 rifle in his possession.