By Sam Kayode
Seventeen suspects have been apprehended over the Christmas eve and recent Mangu massacre, the Plateau State command of the Nigeria Police has said.
Briefing newsmen in jos today, the AIG zone 4 Ebong Eyibo said that as at Thursday, nine suspects were arrested in connection with the massacre of 30 people in Mangu so far and man hunt is going on for more.
Parading the suspects in jos, Eyibo said: “Before you are the eight suspects from the December 24th 2023 attack and the nine suspects arrested in connection with the recent attacks in the state.
He said that exhibits recovered from the suspects 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 recognized according to him.
The AIG said that: “On the 24/01/24 at about 2200hrs, 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.”
He said that 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 the help from some elders of the Community.
” Also in another development, to further strengthen the existing security architecture in Mangu Council area and to 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 restore normalcy in that area.
In another development, he said that 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 Miskam Mwaghavul Palace in Mangu yesterday, the 24th day of January, 2024 to deliberate and chart a way forward to put a stop to the menace.
“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. So far, over 10 corpses have been recovered from various locations, two injured persons currently receiving treatment at the hospital, one car and Ten houses were burnt down.” he said.
The AIG commiserated with the Government and people of Mangu council area over the loss of lives and properties as a result of these attacks adding that he will bear zero tolerance to any act of criminality, and will continue to intensify efforts towards restoring peace, public confidence and normalcy within the State.
He then urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with the security agencies as they are working tirelessly to maintain peace and order in the region.
Meanwhile, the curfew imposed on Mangu still stands as pockets of attacks are reported to be taking place in the wee hours of the night.
MUTFWANG HOLDS EMERGENCY SECURITY MEETING TO TACKLE UNREST IN MANGU AND ENVIRONS
Meanwhile in response to the escalating security challenges resulting in loss of lives and property in Mangu Council Area, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang has convened an emergency State Security Council meeting.
The meeting, which took place at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, had in attendance, heads of Security Agencies in the State.
A statement from his spokesman Gyang Bere stated that the primary focus of the meeting was for a comprehensive review of the security situation, in the state with special attention given to the affected communities for swift and effective intervention.
Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens of the State.
“He pledged to pursue justice for all citizens affected by the recent incidents.” said the release.
