Ndu DO Creates Commission to Investigate Sop Killings

The Divisional Officer (DO) of Ndu, Adamu Shuaibu Ibrahim, has created an inquiry commission to investigate cases of murder, armed robbery, and kidnappings in Sop and Nseh Makop villages.

The move comes after the population of Sop blocked traffic on the highway in protest over killings in the community blamed on armed Mbororo militia.

In a prefectural order signed Thursday, October 10, Mr Adamu Shuaibu, said a new commission of inquiry will “investigate a series of murders, kidnappings, and robberies from 1st June 2018 to 1st October 2024 in the villages of Sop and Nseh Makop”.

Stating that the commission shall meet at the request of its Chairman, he appointed himself to lead the inquiry, with the Brigade Commander of Ndu as rapporteur.

Other members of the commission include the Mayor of Ndu Council, the Commissioner of Public Security Police Station Ndu, the Field Pastor of CBC Ndu, and the Imam of Ntumbaw.

The prefectoral order, however, does not mention the purpose of the inquiry. It is also not known whether perpetrators will be brought to book or it’s just another smokescreen investigation.

According to the DO, “the functions of members of the commission of inquiry is honorary”.

Recent Atrocities in Nseh Makop and Sop

The villages of Nseh Makop and Sop have, in recent months, witnessed a series of atrocities, including, killings and looting.

According to MMI findings, on July 15 this year, Princewill, a commercial motorcycle rider, was shot dead in his house at Nseh Makop village. Local sources accused the Mbororo militia for the killing.

A few weeks after, hoodlums invaded Sop village. On July 30 the armed men set ablaze a house, killing a sick man through arson. Locals said the attackers promised to return for more damage after the atrocity.

On August 7, the local community witnessed yet another violent attack, the second in less than two weeks, and all accusations pointed to the Mbororo militia.

Armed with machetes, knives, and guns, the Mbororo militias reportedly invaded the village, setting homes on fire, looting shops, and attacking villagers. Reports indicate that the assault injured some locals.

Nine shops looted, a house burned, family members brutalised, and a vehicle vandalised, local sources reported. Alidu, a local, died in the attack.

In another attack on October 1, 2024, armed men killed Mr George Mangoh and his wife.

This incident provoked the population to protest against the killings, calling on authorities to intervene.

With mostly women carrying peace plants and placards, they blocked traffic on the main road in the locality, promising not to fall back until the administration took action.