Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 17 suspects in connection with the Christmas Eve killings in Mangu and Bokkos local government areas of the state.

 

The Assistant Inspector General of Police, in charge of Zone 4, AIG Ebong Eyibio, disclosed this on Thursday, while parading the suspects to newsmen at the Police headquarters in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

 

Represented by the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, the AIG said the Command successfully repelled an attack on villages in Mangu LGA on Wednesday, following intelligence about a planned attack on the Ntam community and the ASTC Company in Mangu LGA.

 

He added that a 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, thwarted the attempted attack.

 

In a separate incident, the police, with help from community elders, prevented criminal arsonists in Panyam District from setting fire to worship centres.

 

He added that to strengthen security in Mangu LGA and ensure compliance with the government-imposed curfew, additional Special Intervention personnel have been deployed, commanded by the Area Commander, Pankshin.

 

“The situation is under control as of today. So far, nine suspects have been arrested, with dangerous weapons and other items recovered. The area remains highly secured, and there is strict compliance with the curfew,” Alabo stated.

 

He added that a delegation from the Plateau State Government, led by the Governor’s Security Adviser, heads of other security agencies, and leaders from Christian and Muslim communities, met to deliberate on ways to stop the violence.

 

The AIG stressed the importance of both faiths complying with the curfew for peace. Over 10 corpses have been recovered, two injured persons are receiving treatment, and one car and ten houses were burnt down.

 

He said, “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.”