A Point of Sale (POS) operator, Michael Achile, was attacked and robbed of N200,000 and a smartphone valued at N50,000 by a three-man gang in Gombe State. The incident was confirmed by the Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, on Tuesday.
Incident Details
According to Abdullahi, the suspects, identified as Adamu and Musa, initially visited the victim’s shop to purchase cigarettes. They later returned, inflicted injuries on Achile, and robbed him of his valuables.
“The suspects came to the victim’s shop, bought cigarettes, and later returned, attacked, and robbed him of his valuables—one smartphone valued at N50,000 and a cash sum of N150,000,” Abdullahi stated.
Police Response
Following a distress call, a team of policemen from Operation Hattara promptly visited the scene. The injured victim was rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
“The team rushed the victim to the hospital, where he received treatment and was subsequently discharged,” Abdullahi confirmed.
Arrest and Investigation
The police successfully apprehended one of the suspects, Adamu, who confessed to the crime during interrogation. The police also recovered a cutlass, which was used in the attack.
Abdullahi stated, “The suspect has confessed to his crime and will soon be charged to court for prosecution. The police recovered a cutlass from the suspect, which was used during the robbery. The second suspect, Musa, is still at large.”
Ongoing Search for Accomplices
The police have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspect, Musa, and any other accomplices involved in the robbery. They assured the public of their commitment to bringing all perpetrators to justice.
Community Alert
The Gombe State Police Command has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station. They emphasized the importance of community cooperation in addressing crime and maintaining public safety.
The incident underscores the rising need for increased security around small businesses, particularly POS operators, who are often targeted by criminals for cash and valuables.
Conclusion
The arrest of one suspect and the ongoing pursuit of the second highlights the swift response of the Gombe State Police Command. Residents are encouraged to remain cautious and provide information that can aid law enforcement in combating crimes effectively.
