By Sahel Reporters, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has confirmed the arrest of one Umar Abubakar for allegedly stealing school desks from Yelwan Kundum Primary School in Bauchi Local Government Area.
SUBEB also pledged to continue collaborating with security agencies and community leaders to safeguard school properties from theft and vandalism across the state.
The Permanent Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Abdulmuminu Jibrin, disclosed this while addressing newsmen on the incident in his office.
Alhaji Jibrin said the suspect was arrested by security operatives following a report from community leaders. He assured that the Board would ensure justice is served to deter others from similar acts.
The Permanent Secretary warned criminals against stealing public school properties, noting that measures have been put in place to apprehend and prosecute offenders according to the law.
In her remarks, the Bauchi Local Government Education Secretary, Hajiya Talatu Yakubu, commended the efforts of the Kundum community for facilitating the arrest and urged others to emulate them in protecting government assets.
She also praised the Tafawa Balewa Estate Police Outpost for their swift response, which led to the arrest of the suspect.
Earlier, the Village Head of Kundum, Mallam Nuhu Idris, and the Ward Head of Yelwan Kundum, Nasiru Hussaini, alleged that the suspect, Umar Abubakar — an indigene of the community — arrived in a Boxer J5 vehicle around 9 p.m. and carted away three desks from the school before being apprehended and handed over to the police by local youths.
According to them, the arrest followed increased community surveillance after several incidents of theft at the school by unidentified persons.
Mallam Nuhu Idris and Nasiru Hussaini appealed to the state government to ensure the suspect faces the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
