By Akinwale Kasali
Jamima Dutse, a former All Progressives Congress, APC, Women Leader, has been murdered by assailants at her residence in Bauchi State.
During her time with the APC, she erved as a Zonal Women Leader of the APC in Bauchi South.
Dutse’s murder has generated mixed feelings among residents, as the Take-It-Back, TIB, Movement has called on security agencies to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
The Bauchi State Chapter of the TIB Movement described the incident as a disturbing development and expressed condolences to Dutse’s family, friends and associates.
The Bauchi State Coordinator of the movement, Nazif Bashi, in a statement issued on Sunday condemned the killing and demanded immediate action from the authorities.
The movement described Dutse’s death as a “senseless act of violence” and warned that the incident should not be treated as an ordinary criminal case.
According to the group, the fact that the former APC women leader was attacked inside her residence raises serious questions about the safety of residents and the effectiveness of security measures within the state.
“A society where citizens regardless of their political affiliations, gender, or status, cannot feel safe in their own homes is one on the brink of breakdown,” the group said.
The Group added that Dutse’s killing had implications beyond her immediate family, arguing that attacks of such nature could undermine public confidence in the ability of authorities to protect citizens.
It urged the Bauchi State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder.
It also demanded the establishment of a “dedicated, high-powered investigative panel” to handle the case.
It said such a panel should work to establish how the attackers gained access to Dutse’s residence, identify the motive behind the killing and determine those who may have been involved.
The movement further called for regular communication between the security agencies, Dutse’s family and members of the public during the investigation.
Speaking further, Bashi said providing updates would help prevent speculation and reassure residents that the case was being treated with the seriousness it deserved.
“Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done,” the statement said.
The group added, “Those responsible for this murder must be brought to book and face the full wrath of the law to serve as a stern deterrent to criminal elements across the state.
“Dutse’s killing comes at a time when security concerns remain a major issue in parts of Bauchi State”.
The Group said that several violent incidents has been recorded in recent months, including clashes that resulted in deaths in Dass Local Government Area.
It stated that in September, the Bauchi State Police Command announced the arrest of seven suspects following a violent clash in Dass that left two people dead.
The Group said the Police said the incident began with an alleged attack on a 29-year-old tricycle operator before a reprisal attack led to another fatality.
According to the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, “he had ordered a thorough investigation into that incident and urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
Another violent incident was also reported in Gamawa Local Government Area in July, where a 30-year-old housewife, Habse Ubale, was allegedly beaten and injured during an attack linked to allegations of witchcraft.
Police said she later died in hospital, while investigations were launched and suspects were pursued.
The Group said it was necessary for the Police to do a thorough investigation in addressing the circumstances that led to Dutse’s death, with the culprits been brought to book.
