Sunyani, Oct 2, GNA - Five Fulani armed men were arrested by the Police for allegedly robbing a driver and traders on board a vehicle on the Yeji-Wa road.

Emmanuel Bazaawale, the driver of Benz bus and traders were robbed of their mobile phones and other personal belongings, and an unspecified amoun= t of money on September 26 this year. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Robert Ayalingo, Brong Ahafo Regional Police Commander, confirmed the story to GNA in Sunyani. He said when the bus got to a spot between Yapare and Buom, a group of seven armed men wearing masks and wielding guns and cutlasses stopped the vehicle and robbed the victims and fled into the bush. DCOP Ayalingo said information was sent to the Assembly Members and Unit Committee Members of Yapare, Zabrama and Buom. They mounted road barriers and organised search parties to look for th= e culprits.

The Regional Police Commander said at about 1230 hours of September 27= , residents of Yapare arrested Umaru Abubakar, 22, when he emerged from the bush near the crime scene. DCOP Ayalingo said when a search was carried out on Abubakar, a shot gun, cutlass, a torch-light and a talisman were found on him. The Regional Police Commander said upon interrogation by the Assembly Members, Abubakar confessed that he took part in the robbery with six others. DCOP Ayalingo said at 1630 hours on the same day, the people of Buom arrested Aliu Mallam Abubakar, 37, believed to be the spiritual leader of the group and Mohammed Saliu, 26, with two motorbikes. Residents of Apesika on the same day arrested Jayee Fulani, 35, and Umaru Bedu, 25, at the outskirts of Apesika when they also emerged from the bush, DCOP Ayalingo said.

The Regional Police Commander said when a search was carried on Jayee and Bedu, two mobile phones, three mobile phone batteries, two wrist watches, a torch-light and GHC220.00 were found. DCOP Ayalingo said the five suspects who are Fulani men had been place= d in custody pending further investigations. He commended the Assembly and Unit Committee Members and the people fo= r arresting the culprits.