No fewer than six suspects linked to the killing that triggered unrest at Gosa Market along Airport Road in Abuja have been arrested by operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.

The incident, which caused fear among traders and residents, followed the death of a man accused of stealing tubers of yam. As a result, many people abandoned the market, which is widely regarded as one of the most affordable places to buy food items in Abuja.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Adewale Ajao, said the police swiftly moved into the area following the incident to de-escalate tensions and restore normalcy.

He explained that the crisis began when a man accused of stealing was lynched by an individual who took the law into his own hands.

He described the killing as a clear case of murder, confirming that six suspects were already in custody.

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He said, “A young man was accused of stealing some tubers of yam at the market. And lo and behold, an individual decided to take the law into his hands. That’s a complete human being. This is what led to the crisis.

“Following the police swiftly moved into the area to douse tensions and restore normalcy.

“Six suspects are currently in custody over the matter, which the police are treating as a clear case of murder. ”

Ajao noted that the police engaged community leaders and traditional rulers in dialogue immediately after the incident, which helped to calm the situation and encourage peace.

“Immediately after the incident, we engaged the community leader there. The traditional ruler was with us. We discussed and tried to find out what went wrong. They saw the need to embrace peace,” he said.

He also confirmed that as of Thursday, Gosa Market had resumed full operations under tight police surveillance, with officers on the ground to maintain order.

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“The market is on today, and life is bubbling there. Our policemen are on ground, policing the marketing operation,” Ajao added.

He warned against the growing trend of impersonation and the use of false identities, especially vehicles bearing diplomatic or official number plates without authorisation.

According to him, such actions are often linked to criminal intent.

He also condemned the illegal use of tinted glass, vowing that enforcement would continue as part of efforts to enhance public safety.

Ajao said, “We are coming after you. Because the only reason for that is to engage in crime and criminality, ” he said.

“We are still arresting, and we’ll continue to arrest these people. When you conceal every identity, it doesn’t make any sense.”

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Highlighting the command’s achievements over the past two months, Ajao announced that the police had recorded 49 criminal cases and arrested 82 suspects.

He said several kidnapping and robbery attempts were foiled across different parts of the city.

He added that the police recorded successes in efforts to curb theft, fraud, child trafficking, rape, and other violent crimes, with multiple suspects apprehended and victims rescued.

Ajao revealed that weapons, vehicles, cash, communication devices, and other criminal tools were recovered in the process. He stated that children were rescued from traffickers, abandoned babies were handed over to the Social Welfare Centre, and victims of various crimes were provided support.

Looking ahead, the Commissioner assured residents that the command would intensify community engagement, intelligence-led operations, and public sensitisation campaigns to address evolving threats.

He emphasised the commitment of the FCT Police Command to sustaining peace and security through proactive and coordinated policing efforts.
(PUNCH)