Plateau State Police command has disclosed the arrest of 17 suspected perpetrators of the Christmas eve attacks in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi and those of the Mangu local government areas of the State where more than two hundred people were killed.
Krestnews recalls that the Inspector General of Police,Kayode Egbetukun had deployed the AIG Zone 4,Ebong Eyibo to Jos with instructions to unravel the attackers of the Christmas Eve attacks in Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi and Mangu communities.
Parading the suspects at the headquarters of the State Police command, Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 4, Ebong Eyibio, represented by the spokesperson of the command, DSP Alabo Alfred, stated that nine of the suspects were arrested in connection to the Mangu violence, while eight were arrested in connection to the Bokkos and Barki Ladi attacks.
The Plateau State Police Command said they have successfully repelled an attack on villages in Mangu LGA
While speaking the casualty following the violence in Mangu, the police said 10 corpses were recovered from various locations, two injured persons currently receiving treatment at the hospital, one car and Ten houses were burnt down.
“On 24/01/24 at about 2200hrs, we received intelligence concerning an attack which was targeted on Ntam Community and the ASTC Company, both in 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 also prevented by the swift intervention from the police and with the help from some elders of the Community, ” he said, stressing that more personnel have been deployed to Mangu local government headquarters.
“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 snowballing into an ethno religious crisis, I have ordered the deployment of additional Special Intervention personnel to Mangu LGA to be commanded by the Area Commander, Pankshin, and in order to restore normalcy in that area.
“The Command is grateful to inform you that the situation as at today (Thursday), is under control and so far, Nine (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.
” A delegation from the Plateau State Government led by the Security Adviser to the Governor, heads of other security agencies, and leaders from both the Christian and Muslim communities, gathered at the Mangu Township Stadium and the Miskham Mwaghavul Palace in Mangu Wednesday the 24th day of January, 2024 to deliberate and chart the way forward.
“We called on the leadership of both faiths to call their followers to order and ensure total compliance with the government-imposed curfew. Both parties have promised to comply in the interest of peace in their communities.
“On behalf of the officers and men of Plateau State Police Command, I want to take this moment to commemorate with the government and good people of Mangu LGA over the loss of lives and properties as a result of these attacks.
“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”.
Meanwhile the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State chapter has condemned in strong terms the wanton destruction of lives and properties resurfaced in Mangu recently.
CAN chairman Plateau State, Rev.Father Polycarp Lubo said he is saddened that people who had been living together for decades now turn against each other due to mutual distrust.
He described the situation as barbaric especially that the attackers defied 24 hours curfew imposed by government and killed people mostly women and children in Kwahaslalek Community in Mangu LGA.
While appealing for calm, the clergy advocates the creation of State police, calling on security personnel to discharge their responsibilities with high sense of professionalism so that people would have confidence on them.
Krestnews reports that Mangu Local Government is still under 24 hours dust-to-dawn curfew imposed by the State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang to curtail escalation of security breach.