The Niger State Police Commissioner, Shawulu E. Danmaman, reports that the high number of out-of-school children is contributing to increased crime rates among teenagers. In 2024, 713 suspects were arrested for various offenses including homicide and robbery. The police rescued 37 kidnapping victims and detailed a chilling murder involving a young girl and her brother.
The Commissioner of Police for Niger State, Shawulu E. Danmaman, has expressed concern regarding the escalating crime rate among adolescents in the region, attributing it to the alarming number of out-of-school children. In his briefing to journalists in Minna, he reported that from January to December 2024, 713 suspects, including minors, were apprehended for serious offenses encompassing homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and vehicle theft.
Danmaman further elaborated on the police’s achievements within the same timeframe, which included the successful rescue of 37 kidnapping victims, as well as the seizure of numerous firearms and ammunition. In regard to a particularly disturbing case involving the death of Hadiza Umaru, allegedly murdered by her younger brother, Habibu Umaru, in conjunction with a local herbalist, he detailed the circumstances of the crime. It was reported that Hadiza was poisoned under the false pretense of a treatment for supposed “evil spirits,” and her remains were concealed in a shallow grave. Continued investigations led law enforcement to unearth additional graves in the vicinity, raising further alarm.
The rising rates of crime, particularly among youth, have become a significant concern in Niger State, Nigeria. The Commissioner of Police has indicated that the high number of out-of-school children is a substantial contributing factor to this troubling trend. Crime statistics reveal a range of serious offenses committed by teenagers, necessitating urgent interventions to address the underlying issues of education and social welfare in the region. Moreover, the case of Hadiza Umaru adds to the urgency of addressing violence in domestic settings and the influence of harmful local practices.
In summary, the escalating crime rates among teenagers in Niger State have been directly linked to the high incidence of out-of-school children. With 713 arrests for serious crimes and the successful rescue of 37 kidnapping victims, the local police are actively working to mitigate these issues. The tragic case of Hadiza Umaru underscores the critical need for community awareness and preventive measures against domestic violence and superstition-related practices.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
