Plateau Killings: Police Arrest Suspected Perpetrators Of Bokkos, Mangu Attacks

…..As CAN condemns Mangu Killings, appeals for calm

Plateau 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 hundreds of people were killed.

However, the police didn’t explain the identity of of the suspects.

It would be recall that after the Christmas Eve attacks in Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi and Mangu communities in Plateau state hundreds of lives and properties were destroyed, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbelokun had deployed AIG zone 4, Ebong Eyibio to Plateau with the instructions to unravel the attackers.

Parading the suspects at the headquarters of the state police command, Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 4, Ebony 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 Barikin 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.

He said ” On 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.

“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, ” he added.

We have deployed additional personnel to Mangu.

The AIG also said in order to ensure law and order in the headquarters of Mangu, more police personnel had been deployed to the area.

“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, 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 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.

“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 a wanton destruction of lives and properties in recent Mangu clashed.

CAN chairman Plateau State, Rev.Father Polycarp Lubo said he sadden that people who were living together for decades but turn against each other due to mutual distrust, described as barbaric when 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 responsibility with high sense of professionalism so that people would have confidence on them.

However Mangu Local Government of the State is still on 24 hours dust-to-door curfew earlier imposed by the State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang to curtail escalation of security breach.