The Borno State Police Command has apprehended four individuals linked to an attempted arson at the Mafa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mafa Local Government Area. The suspects include Malum Usman (16), Bulama Bukar (14), Rawa Usman (11), and their alleged sponsor, Babagana Umar (40).
The state government, alarmed by the increase in IDP camp fires, had pledged to apprehend and prosecute those responsible. The Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar, previously suggested a conspiracy involving certain NGOs.
However, during the suspects' parade in Maiduguri, the state police spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, did not mention any NGO involvement. He explained that the suspects were apprehended on March 24th by a local hunters' group in Mafa, who reported the incident to the police.
Daso stated that the investigation revealed Umar, a firewood seller at Muna garage area in Maiduguri, allegedly paid the youngsters N10,000 to set a house ablaze in the camp. Umar, however, denied the allegations, claiming he was falsely accused while praying in the mosque.
