Nigerian Police nab suspects linked to latest Plateau bloodbath

The Plateau State Command of the Nigerian Police paraded seventeen suspects on Thursday in connection with the recent killings in the state.

Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 4, Ebong Eyibio, paraded the suspects before newsmen at the headquarters of the Plateau State Police Command in Jos.

Nine of the suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in the recent attacks in Mangu LGA of the state, while eight were nabbed in connection with the 2023 Christmas Eve massacre.

Eyibio, who was represented at the press briefing by the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command DSP, Alfred Alabo also announced that the corpses of victims of the Mangu attacks have been recovered.

He said, “The Plateau State Police Command has successfully repelled an attack on villages in Mangu LGA 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 LGA.

“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 LGA 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 LGA 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.”