Gov Fintiri probes alleged murder of schoolboy, Abdallah

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has set machinery in motion to investigate the alleged murder of a schoolboy by a security task force in the state.

The boy, 17-year-old Abdullahi Abba, better known as Abdallah, was allegedly tortured by members of Operation Farauta, a task force of police and military personnel mandated to check crime around the state.

Abdallah had fallen unconscious allegedly due to the torture and died on Wednesday, August 9, after days of receiving medical attention in the hospital.

He had earlier on August 5 been arrested and subjected to deadly torture after a neighbour complained to the task force about a missing phone which he said he suspected the boy to have stolen.

As conveyed to newsmen on Friday, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri ordered the state Commissioner of Police to investigate the circumstances of Abdallah’s death.

According to a statement signed by Fintiri’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, the governor’s reaction follows allegations that Operation Farauta personnel might have tortured Abdallah to death and are trying to cover up the case.

“Governor Fintiri who frowned at the unfortunate development has ordered the Police to begin an intensive investigation into the matter in order to take up the case against those involved if anything shady is discovered,” the statement said.

According to the statement, “The Governor is appealing for calm as an investigation is ongoing.”

It said the governor identifies with the family of the deceased over their loss, assuring that the life of every Adamawa citizen matters and the government will ensure that justice is done.