Plateau Killings Probe: Police Parades 17 Suspects

In a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the recent killings in Plateau State, the police paraded seventeen suspects on Thursday.

Assistant Inspector General of Police, Ebong Eyibio, showcased the suspects at the Plateau State Police Command headquarters in Jos.

Among the apprehended suspects, eight were linked to the Christmas Eve attacks in 2023, while the remaining nine were arrested in connection with the recent security breach in Mangu LGA.

Eyibio revealed that as a result of the Mangu incident, ten bodies were recovered. Represented by the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, Eyibio shared the details during a press conference.

During the briefing, Alabo explained, “The Plateau State Police Command successfully repelled an attack on villages in Mangu LGA. On January 24th at around 22:00 hours, we received intelligence regarding an imminent attack on the Ntam community and the ASTC Company in Mangu LGA.

Our dedicated team of police officers from the IGP Special Intervention Squad stationed at the ASTC, alongside the Area Commander Pankshin and the DPO, swiftly took action and thwarted the attempted attack.”

Alabo continued “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.

Alabo urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with the security authorities, emphasizing their relentless dedication to peacekeeping in the region.