Three held for kidnap, murder in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three suspects linked to the abduction and murder of Miss Favour Akaaza of Ombi Anzaku, a community in Lafia Local Government Area of the state.

This was contained in a press statement issued to correspondent on Thursday in Lafia, the state capital by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel.

According to the statement, two of the suspects have confessed to the crime upon interrogation.

Nansel disclosed that the Vigilante Group of Nigeria had earlier arrested and handed over two suspects – Dahiru Aliyu and Sayyadi Abubakar to the police over the incident.

Nansel said, “The Nasarawa State Police Command, in its unrelenting efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, has recorded another breakthrough with the arrest of suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction of one Miss Favour Francis of Ombi Anzaku, Lafia Local Government Area.

“On 05/10/2025 at about 0830hrs, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) Chairman of Ambana Village, Lafia, arrested and handed over two suspects — Dahiru Aliyu ‘M’ and Sayyadi Abubakar ‘M’ — to the Police in connection with the said kidnapping incident which occurred on 03/10/2025 at about 2200hrs, but was not immediately reported to the police.

“Upon receipt of the suspects, the commissioner of police ordered operatives of the Command’s tactical unit to swiftly launch an investigation which led to the further arrest of one Abdulmumuni Isah ‘M’ of Angwan Nunku, Lafia Township.

The suspect later led operatives to the location where their locally made rifle, five (5) live cartridges, and the knife used in stabbing the victim were concealed.

“During interrogation, two of the suspects confessed to the crime, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and ensure that justice is served.”

According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Shettima Jauro Mohammed, commended the VGN and the gallant operatives for their prompt action and synergy that led to the arrests.

The PPRO further called on the residents to continue to provide useful information that would aid in the fight against criminal activities across the state.

Meanwhile, the Tiv Youth Organisation in the state through its President, Comrade Isaiah Audu condemned in strongest terms “the brazen abduction of the 24-year-old harmless Miss Favour Akaaza from her residence and matcheted by armed herdsmen leading to her death in her prime.”

He lamented that “the late Miss Favour, a National Diploma graduate of Hospitality and Hotel Management from the Isa Mustapha Agwai 1 Polytechnic, Lafia, Nasarawa State was brutally murdered after her abduction by the suspects. “

While describing the act as “barbaric, inhuman, heartbreaking and a direct assault on the peace and security of communities in the state,” the Tiv youth President advocated for “a swift and transparent prosecution of the suspects who are in custody and have already confessed to the crime.”

He commended the youths in the Ambana community and the security agencies for their rapid response towards apprehending the culprits and called on relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served without compromise.

Comrade Audu reiterated the commitment of the Tiv Youth Organisation to promoting peace, justice, and the protection of lives and property of the residents across the state.

However, he appealed to “the government at all levels and the security agencies to intensify efforts towards curbing the rising cases of armed violence in the state.”

It is gathered that Late Miss Favour Akaaza who hailed from Imon community in the Adudu Chiefdom of Obi LGA of Nasarawa state, died on Sunday, October 4, in a hospital while receiving treatment for knife-stabbing by her abductors after her rescue by the security operatives.