Police arrest 17 suspects over Plateau killings, repel fresh attack in Mangu
Seventeen suspects were on Thursday paraded
by the police in connection with the recent killings in parts of Plateau State.
The suspects were paraded by the Assistant
Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 4, Ebong Eyibio, at the
headquarters of the Plateau State Police Command in Jos.
Eyibio said eight of the suspects were
arrested in connection with the 2023 Christmas Eve attacks, while the other
nine were apprehended for their alleged involvement in the recent security
breach in Mangu Council Area of the state.
He also disclosed that ten corpses were
recovered after the recent incident in Mangu.
Eyibio was represented at the press briefing
by the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command DSP Alfred Alabo.
He said, “The Plateau State Police Command
has successfully repelled an attack on villages in Mangu Council Area of the
State.
“On 24/01/24 at about 22:00 hours, we
received intelligence concerning an attack which was targeted on the Ntam
community and the ASTC Company, both of Mangu.
“Our team of agile police officers from the
IGP Special Intervention Squad stationed at the ASTC in conjunction with the
Area Commander Pankshin and the DPO swung into action and thwarted the
attempted attack.
“In a separate incident, an attempt by some
criminal arsonists in Panyam District to set fire on some worship centers was
prevented by swift intervention from the police and with help from some elders
of the community.
“Also in another development, to further
strengthen the existing security architecture in Mangu and ensure compliance
with the curfew imposed by the government and prevent further escalation of the
incidence which is almost snowboarding into an ethno- religious crisis, I have
ordered the deployment of additional Special Intervention personnel to Mangu to
be commended by the Area Commander, Pankshin, and restore normalcy in that
area.
“The Command is grateful to inform you that
the situation as at today, is under control and so far, 9 suspects have been
arrested.
“Exhibits recovered from them include
dangerous weapons, such as machetes, kegs containing Petrol, and other items.
The area remains highly secured by security forces and strict compliance to the
curfew is being complied with.
“I also wish to make it clear that the
Command under my leadership and supervision will bear zero tolerance to any act
of criminality, and will continue to intensify its efforts towards restoring
peace, public confidence and normalcy within the State.
“Before you are the 8 suspects from the
December 24th, 2023 attack and the 9 suspects arrested in connection with the
recent attacks in the state.
“To this end, we urge the public to remain
calm and cooperate with the security agencies as we are working tirelessly to
maintain peace and order in the region.”
DAILY POST recalls that Eyibio was deployed
to the Plateau State after the Christmas Eve attacks.
