The Taraba State Police Command has arrested an 18-year-old student for allegedly possessing an illegal firearm and engaging in cult-related activities after he reportedly brandished a revolver during a dispute at a Koranic memorisation institute in Jalingo, the state capital.
The incident, which occurred at the Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau Institute for Koranic Memorisation, has prompted a wider police investigation into suspected cult activities within the institution, with security operatives now searching for other suspects linked to the case.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Mshelizah, disclosed the development in a statement yesterday, saying the suspect was arrested after a disagreement between two students escalated into a confrontation.
According to the police, the suspect, Usman Usman, from Sansani in Gassol Local Government Area, allegedly pulled out a mini revolver pistol during an altercation with the school’s Senior Prefect in an attempt to intimidate him.
During interrogation, investigators said the suspect confessed that the firearm had been obtained from another student, identified as Akilu Alhassan, who is currently at large.
The command said a manhunt has been launched for Alhassan and other suspected cult members believed to be connected to the incident, while the recovered firearm has been taken into police custody as an exhibit.
The Commissioner of Police, Morkwap Dongshal, directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive investigation.
Dongshal reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling cultism, illegal possession of firearms and other violent crimes across the state.
He also urged parents, guardians, school authorities and community leaders to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing credible information on suspicious activities capable of threatening public safety.
The police assured residents of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and security across Taraba State.