The police, on Thursday, paraded 17 suspects in connection with the recent killings in parts of Plateau State.
Following the security breach in the Kwahaslalek community and several portions of Plateau State’s Mangu Local Council, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has issued a warning that his administration will not accept any further breakdown in law and order across the state.
The 17 suspects were paraded by the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 4, Ebong Eyibio, at the state police headquarters in Jos.
According to Eyibio, eight of the individuals were arrested in connection with the 2023 Christmas Eve attacks, while the remaining nine were apprehended for their suspected involvement in the latest security breach in Mangu.
The AIG, who was represented at a press briefing by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Alfred Alabo, also said that ten remains were discovered following the Mangu disaster.
Eyibio added, “The Plateau State Police Command has successfully repelled an attack on villages in Mangu. On January 24, 2024, about 10 p.m., we received intelligence concerning an attack targeted at the Ntam community and ASTC Company, both in Mangu.
“Our team of agile police officers from the IGP Special Intervention Squad stationed at the ASTC, in conjunction with the Pankshin Area Commander and DPO, swung into action and thwarted the attempted attack.”
Meanwhile, Defense Headquarters (DHQ) invited Rev. Timothy Daluk, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mangu chapter, to back up his assertion that the military supports the terrorists terrorizing Plateau state.
Speaking on the invitation of Daluk, the Director, Defense Media Operations (DMO), Maj-Gen Edward Buba, said: “DHQ is in the process of reaching out to him to come and substantiate the claims. It is not unusual for emotions to cloud people’s judgment when they have been confronted with very traumatizing experiences.
“We would get to the bottom of his allegations after having an audience with him. All the same, the military will continue to discharge its duties professionally and in line with the best international standards.”
The governor of Plateau state, Caleb Mutfwang, urged security operatives to intensify efforts to ensure absolute peace across the state.
Mutfwang, who disclosed this through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, in Jos, also implored communities affected to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
He said: “Governor Mutfwang has strongly denounced the recent security breach that claimed numerous lives in the Kwahaslalek community and various parts of Mangu.
“Expressing profound sorrow, the governor decried the escalating security challenges that resulted in the destruction of homes and livelihoods by hoodlums. He extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving families, the affected communities, and the victims of the unfortunate incidents.”
