The Plateau state police command have arrested a 24-year-old Fulani herder, one Abdulrahama Kaila, for chopping off the hand of a farmer in Shendam local government area of Southern Plateau State.
A video of the victim holding his chopped left hand went viral few days ago.
Parading the the suspect before newsmen in Jos on Thursday, August 17, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Alfred Alabo, said the suspect was apprehended on Tuesday, August 15, by the Shendam Divisional Police Office.
According to the police spokesman, the state Commissioner of police CP Okoro Julius, had directed a man hunt for the said suspect.
While speaking to newsmen, the suspect admitted to committing the crime. He however claimed he acted in self defense. According to Kaila, the victim chased him out of his farm, even when none of the farmer’s crop was touched by his cows.
He claimed the farmer attempted to injure him with a catapult and that he reacted while attempting to defend himself.
The police spokesperson said the suspect will be charged to court as soon as possible.